Express & Star

Justice for Marine A campaign: Supporters gather on Cannock Chase for Alexander Blackman demo

Campaigners seeking 'justice' for a Royal Marine convicted of murdering a Taliban insurgent gathered in Cannock Chase.

Published

'Justice for Marine A' campaigners believe Sgt Alexander Blackman should be freed having been wrongly convicted.

He was jailed for a minimum of 10 years in 2013 but the sentence was later reduced to a minimum eight years.

Around 20 people gathered with flags printed with the marine's face and the words 'Free Sgt Alex Blackman'.

Blackman, of Taunton, Somerset, killed the insurgent on September 15, 2011.

Royal Marines Commando with 40 Brigade, Lance Cpl Alexander Blackman

The incident followed an attack on a patrol base in Helmand province by two insurgents.

One was seriously injured by an Apache helicopter providing support and the marines found him in a field.

Blackman shot the Afghan prisoner in the chest with a 9mm pistol.

In September last year a Royal Navy internal review said Sgt Blackman let professional standards 'slip to an unacceptably low level'.

It added a 'number' of those involved directly and indirectly with the incident felt the chain of command had failed to provide them with adequate support before, during and after the court martial which convicted Sgt Blackman.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.