Mercenary and coup plotter Simon Mann dies

Former British Army serviceman and mercenary Simon Mann, who was portion of a coup effort successful Equatorial Guinea successful 2004, has died of a bosom onslaught portion exercising, friends confirmed.

The 72-year-old made millions of pounds from protecting businesses successful struggle zones earlier helium took portion successful the failed effort to overthrow the westbound African nation's ruler.

Mann was sentenced to 34 years successful situation connected arms charges and aboriginal said helium had been the "manager, not the architect" of the scheme.

In 2009, the ex-SAS commando was pardoned, released and fixed 48 hours to permission the country.

The crippled had been an effort to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema - astatine the clip Mann and co-conspirators said the purpose was to instal exiled absorption person Severo Moto.

It was uncovered aft constabulary successful Zimbabwe's superior Harare impounded a level which had flown successful from South Africa.

Mann and much than 60 others were arrested, amid claims they were mercenaries.

They said they were providing information for a excavation successful the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mann attended backstage boys' schoolhouse Eton earlier studying astatine Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and past joining the Scots Guards.

He became a subordinate of the SAS - the army's peculiar forces portion - and roseate done the ranks to go a commander.

In 2011, helium said the attempted coup successful Equatorial Guinea - which saw him arrested with chap mercenaries aft trying to load weapons onto a level successful Zimbabwe - was foiled by the CIA.

After serving 3 years of his 34-year condemnation successful Zimbabwe, helium was moved to Black Beach Prison successful Equatorial Guinea.

Speaking successful 2011 astir that move, helium said "friends, family, and enemies" had told him "if that happens, you person had it, you're a dormant man".

After being pardoned and released, helium expressed regret for what helium had done, saying that "however bully the wealth is", the motivation lawsuit "has to stack up".