A SAILOR charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder after a shooting on board a nuclear-powered submarine moored in Southampton was due in court today.

Able Seaman Ryan Donovan was arrested after shots rang out aboard HMS Astute as a group of civic dignitaries were being shown around the vessel, which was on a goodwill visit to the city.

Donovan, 22, of Dartford, Kent, is charged with the murder of Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, of Wigan, Greater Manchester.

He is also accused of the attempted murder of Christopher Brown, 36, Chief Petty Officer David McCoy, 37, and Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hodge, 45.

Councillor Royston Smith, leader of Southampton City Council, was standing in the submarine’s control room on April 8 when shots were fired from an SA80 assault rifle.

Cllr Smith, a former RAF engineer who served in the Falklands, suffered cuts and bruises as he fought to restrain the gunman and remove his weapon.

Also aboard for the civic visit were the then mayor, Councillor Carol Cunio, and the council’s chief executive, Alistair Neill.

Shortly after the incident Lt Cdr Molyneux’s widow Gillian paid tribute to the 36-year-old father of four.

She said: “Ian was utterly devoted to his family. Everything he did was for us. He was very proud to be an officer in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. He will live on in our four beautiful children.”

Donovan was due to appear at Winchester Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing.