Funeral For Officer Shot On Nuclear Sub

28 April 2011, 09:39 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Hundreds of mourners are expected to pay their last respects today (Thursday 28th April) at the funeral of a Royal Navy officer shot dead on a nuclear submarine while it was docked in Southampton.

Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, from Wigan, a father of four, died after being shot during an incident on board HMS Astute on April 8^th.

His family are expected to be joined by Royal Navy colleagues of the weapons engineer along with hundreds of mourners for the funeral service in his home town of Wigan.

Lt Cdr Molyneux's large, closely knit family, have opted for a Service funeral with military honours.

His wife Gillian and their four children, Jamie, 13, Arron, 12, Bethany, 6, and 3 year old Charlie, will lead mourners at the Requiem Mass service at Sacred Heart Church in Wigan.

A spokesman for the Royal Navy said owing to the “immense popularity” of Lt Cdr Molyneux there is expected to be a “very significant” show of support for his family at the funeral.

The 36-year-old had been heavily involved in the local junior amateur rugby league scene, coaching youngsters at a local club.

Chaplain Andrew McFadden, Royal Navy, and Father Andrew Jolly will conduct the funeral service, starting at midday, which will be followed by a private burial and family wake.

The shooting took place as local dignitaries, were being given a tour of the submarine, based at Faslane, Scotland, while it was berthed at the Eastern Docks on a five-day official visit to Southampton.

Able Seaman Ryan Donovan, 22, from Kent, has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of Lt Cdr Molyneux.

He has also been charged with the attempted murders of Petty Officer Christopher Brown, Chief Petty Officer David McCoy and Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hodge.