The partner of a soldier shot dead in training, due to “an extraordinary piece of stupidity” by the MoD, has been handed a six-figure compensation payout.

Dean Griffiths, 21 was a fusilier in the 1st Royal Welsh regiment when a bullet pierced his neck during a live firing exercise at Lydd shooting range on September 14, 2011.

Fusilier Griffiths had been ordered to line up behind a wooden wall, against which shooting targets had been placed, while he waited his turn at the exercise.

But as he was standing there, another group of soldiers fired at the targets and a bullet passed through the wall and stuck him, severing his carotid artery and causing fatal injuries.

The soldier, from Market Drayton, Shropshire, whose partner was pregnant at the time of his death, was serving with the Chester-based battalion as it prepared to go to Afghanistan.

His partner Nicola Griffith, 33, of East Lawns, Betley, Crewe, and their son Harry, four, sued the MoD, blaming negligence for his death.

The MoD admitted liability for the “tragic incident” and today Judge Richard Parkes QC approved a six-figure payout for the family to settle their claim.

The judge, sitting at London’s High Court, slammed the MoD, telling government barrister, Robert Kellar: “This was an extraordinary piece of stupidity in a live firing exercise.”

Mr Kellar expressed regret for what happened on behalf of the MoD to Ms Griffiths, who was in court for the hearing.

He told the court: “Nicola Griffiths has provided the most devoted care to Harry following the death of his father, and it is hoped that this day will allow Nicola and Harry to move forward with their lives.”

Lawyers for Ms Griffiths said the exact payout figure was confidential.