The usual ill-informed journalism. Decisions to prosecute are not made by MPs, or ministers, or the MOD, or the Army, or newspapers - it is for the Director of Service Prosecutions (Bruce Houlder QC) alone to decide. Interesting U-turn here. At his original sentencing, N argued that he should not be sentenced to dismissal on the grounds that he was fit to soldier on - an argument the Court Martial accepted. Now, having been discharged anyway, N seems to be arguing he is so badly brain damaged he is unfit to stand trial. As far as I can see, whatever N's mental condition may be that factor can only be a mitigation of sentence, not a defence to the charges.
It was the medical and health care profesionals specialist team that said that he was brain damaged after months of tests at Headley court and other Hospitals.His core temperature was over 44 centigrade when he was found which would have killed most.How can the MOD procecute having admitted that he is not fit for duty (P zero ) due to his brain injury.Danny is a dedicated christian as is his entire family and would NOT lie on oath to protect himself.He has always been a good soldier at the very top of his profession and does not like to think that he is possibly not as capable anymore.He is not the same as he was prior to his fundraising jungle marathon which BTW was to raise money for his best friends family who was T4 (killed) whilst on duty.Wouldn't it be refreshing if the MOD spent its efforts in protecting its solidiers and other service personel who perform extraordinary feats for Queen and country instead.
So he is a nutty as an ayatollah then? Perhaps he needs locking up because of his religious views in any case?
Being a Christian does not prevent you making bad judgments or telling lies, maybe he should have applied for a gun permit or handed it in. Many people raise money for those in need/suffering. Well done Danny. So are you saying Stu that soldiers and other service personnel should be above the law regardless of their actions/decisions because they are following their chosen career. Would that mean if I was a really good hardworking citizen for example a lorry driver I could overload my lorry and break the speed limit ....... bend the law and get away with it ?
Well as Telic finished in 2008 and he was brain damaged in 2009 how can that be an excuse for him having the weapon in the first place.
Wouldn't worry about nicking all that ammunition though. Nice he's got his priorities so well sorted.
Wow,such concidered views by some.Thats why I dont watch Stenders or X factor coz its all too clever for me.
The trial of Sgt Nightingale is due to start at Bulford, Wiltshire next Monday 1 July at 10.00am, with the Judge Advocate General, HH Judge Jeff Blackett presiding. Apparently the first couple of days is likely to be taken up with various preliminary and legal matters being dealt with, mainly in chambers, with the substantive trial expected to begin on Wednesday 3 July and to take several days. I am inclined to attend parts of the trial, purely as a spectator of course, and to take the opportunity to meet up with various old friends and former colleagues. It is not obvious to me what defence N could raise to the charges, so it will be very interesting to see what he comes up with.
What a waste of public money. The legal professionals will be raking it in again. Two days in chambers pulling each others puds more like. Then N will flip out again and claim the the stress is too much.
Or pete1950 will jump in from the pubic arena and get all big and bold , yadda yadda yaddering here and there. Bless him.:tongue:
Judging by the number of SP bods that have been called, if Pete jumps in, the yadda, yadda, yadda might be a burst from an MP5.
Piece on the BBC about the Court Martial system. Joshua Rozenberg is clear, accurate and thoughtful; he really tries to get it right. I think Joshua is one of the best journalists out there. BBC News - Military judge raises court martial concerns
The initial witness list is about 30 witnesses (eye, medical, police, forensic, etc.). No doubt many of those will not be needed (because their witness statements become uncontested), so my guess is about a dozen will actually be called and cross-examined. Some of them are special forces, so the court may impose reporting restrictions to protect their identities. N didn't want his identity protected, of course.
Thanks, most kind. If you spot a red Multistrada in the Military Court Centre car park one day, that'll be me. Actually whichever day I attend, the Director of the Military Court Service will come down to Bulford that day and entertain me to lunch, probably Wednesday 3 July.
