A new report reveals there has been a large increase in the number of plastic bullets fired by soldiers in Northern Ireland.

The Independent Assessor of Military Complaints has said more than 80 baton rounds were fired in the first 10 months of this year - compared to less than 20 for the whole of 2001.

However, Jim McDonald said all the baton rounds used were justified.

This use of video would augment the statements justifying the use of baton rounds and may help with prosecution of offenders

Jim McDonald Independent Assessor of Military Complaints

He also said military police teams equipped with video cameras should be used to film soldiers firing baton rounds during riots.

The assessor said the footage would indicate if the weapons were fired legally.

"This use of video would augment the statements justifying the use of baton rounds and may help with prosecution of offenders," he said.

'Intent to kill'

The report showed there were eight strikes to the upper torso recorded during the period of assessment.

However, he insisted all 102 rounds were fired within rigid legal guidelines.

Jim McDonald: "This use of video would augment the statements"

"There is no evidence, despite speculation, that the military are used instead of police officers to fire baton rounds," he said.

"Rioters are well organised, well experienced and often have the intent to kill or maim those whom they attack," Mr McDonald said.

The independent assessor also recommended soldiers who fire rounds should be interviewed before going on leave in order to get a full recollection of the incident.

Earlier this year, Northern Ireland's Police Ombudsman said officers were justified in using plastic baton rounds in riots in 2001.

Nuala O'Loan said that in one case there were grounds for suggesting that the rounds should have been fired earlier.