Just to bring this one to popular attention we have a sad story, doubtless dubious in parts, resulting in a conviction and jail term for a 11yr special forces veteran who seems to have done little, with any kind of intent, to warrant it.
Full story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9669410/SAS-war-hero-jailed-after-betrayal.html
Now I dont buy the notion he didnt know he had the Glock somewhere and I dont buy he was presenting it to the Regiment as a trophy. I know one scaley for instance who came back from exercise in Germany with his units vehicles mysteriously 100-200kg overweight each from various items of contraband secured behind panels etc. I also know a, then, full-screw who came back from an EOD course with a fist-size ball of….er….modelling clay that he used to toss around his house to upset visitors!. Squaddies “find” stuff and smuggle it anywhere they think they can…thats been the case, and documented, since the first human societies sprang up.
What gets me is that this pistol was something Sgt Nightingales colleagues, under oath, have attested was a gift and was found by the police sealed in a locked box consistent with the description of how the weapon came to be in his possession. This is clearly a different case than some halfwit thug with a lengthy criminal record getting caught with a sawn-off 12 gauge in his car. One represents a clear threat to society and one, well, doesnt!.
Was this guy in the wrong for having the weapon in his possession…yes. Does he deserve some form of administrative punishment for his lack of dilligence…yes. Does he represent a threat to our society such that he needs to be incarcerated, his family’s welfare threatened and have his, by all accounts distinguished, career wrecked…not in any way!?. How justice is served by jailing this guy personally I cannot comprehend.
If you agree an online petition can be found here: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/466/483/779/freedom-for-this-sas-hero-sgt-danny-nightingale-now/
By: charliehunt - 18th December 2012 at 20:19
Interesting. That is his name – it is in the public domain.
By: John Green - 18th December 2012 at 19:55
Charlie,
I have a contact in the judiciary, who told me that this chap had not had his employment contract renewed. The inference drawn by my contact was that he was effctively sacked. My contact did not name this person.
By: charliehunt - 18th December 2012 at 13:14
Bruce Houlder QC is/was the Director. Are you sure he has been sacked? If so, was it as a direct result of the Nightingale case?
By: John Green - 17th December 2012 at 19:57
A very welcome sequel to the case of Sgt. Nightingale. It is reported that the Director of Service Prosecutions – effectvely the person responsible for the prosecution of Sgt. Nightingale, has been sacked. His/her contract has not been renewed.
It seems that in this fractured and broken society, with its distorted sense of priorities, justice can still prevail.
By: John Green - 7th December 2012 at 15:15
To all those who supported Sgt. Nightingale. I’ve just received a very pleasant and heart warming reply to my recent letter to him. He warmly thanks all who have supported him and taken the trouble to write.
He writes: “I have been amazed at the response shown by everyone both here in Great Britain and overseas”.
“I have been humbled by all the kind words. thoughts and prayers that have been conveyed to me”.
It seems to me that a very decent and honourable man has escaped the ‘pillory’ by the vigilance and actions of those prepared to stand up and be counted.
By: paul178 - 30th November 2012 at 12:25
My comment was tongue in cheek.
This is not. The guy is supposed to have had a mental breakdown, who is to say this could not happen again
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/sas-man-who-killed-ex-970279
I wonder how many serving and ex forces have a trophy brought back from opps?
By: spitfireman - 30th November 2012 at 11:08
…..forgot to add, well done Danny.
By: spitfireman - 30th November 2012 at 11:06
So the job you do excuses the crimes you commit?
It appears so, if you’re a ****ing telemarketer. :rolleyes:
By: John Green - 30th November 2012 at 09:56
#39
Forward your observations to the Police. They found no evidence of ‘criminal intent’. No ‘criminal intent’ – no case!
If it was good enough for the cops – with all their resources – then it should have been good enough for the MoD. I have a strong feeling that it was this point as much as public outrage that secured Sgt. Nightingale his freedom and will account for the ultimate success of his appeal against conviction.
There is no parallel whatsoever between your comments and Sgt. Nightingale’s predicament.
By: Jonesy - 30th November 2012 at 05:37
Paul,
I think its safe to say that I, as everyman citizen, would have a hard time explaining why I’d been sent a firearm and 300 rounds of ammunition from Iraq. Being an SAS training sergeant obviously places a different context on that.
The job he does has provided the basis for the extenuating circumstances in a case with some unique features. I’m not sure what grounds there are from that to try to make that a generalised rule that your job exonerates you of any crimes you commit?.
By: paul178 - 30th November 2012 at 01:20
So the job you do excuses the crimes you commit? An interesting new legal concept. Also a precedent has been set.
‘Yes my client did defraud the company, but he is experienced in handling cash in large sums, had a bit of a breakdown, and entirely forgot the attache case filled with used fifties under his bed for several months, the collection of receipts was part of his job as an accountant. My client throws himself on the mercy of the press.’
By: MSR777 - 29th November 2012 at 21:03
It is the right decision.
By: Mercurius - 29th November 2012 at 20:56
I too will raise my glass, not only to Sergeant Nightingale, but also to his family, and to all those who have supported his cause.
By: Jonesy - 29th November 2012 at 18:59
Just reading that here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20547557?SThisFB
Without warning common sense strikes!. Will also be tipping a glass to his good health and to those who helped make a point that needed to be made.
By: John Green - 29th November 2012 at 18:48
Well ! I reckon that that, is a RESULT!
Tonight, I’ll be raising a glass to you Sgt. Nightingale.
Heartfelt thanks to all who raised ‘merry hell’ in support.
By: charliehunt - 29th November 2012 at 17:22
Sad no more!!:D
http://news.sky.com/story/1018457/nightingale-jailed-sas-sniper-walks-free
By: charliehunt - 27th November 2012 at 14:03
“JAILED SAS hero Danny Nightingale’s fight for freedom is backed by the crack US team who killed Osama Bin Laden.
Former members of the elite Navy Seals have contacted Sgt Nightingale’s legal team to offer support.
They now intend to begin an online campaign to highlight the Army sniper’s case in America.
Last night Danny’s lawyer, Simon McKay, said the Seal Foundation’s offer of support was “an act of solidarity between these unique men”. He added: “There is concern across the globe in the Special Forces ranks.”
By: bazv - 25th November 2012 at 16:12
I think he will be looked after ok,the CM could not have been more lenient…the fact he was not dismissed the service or lose any rank speaks volumes about how the army view this case and how highly he is valued !
rgds baz
By: charliehunt - 25th November 2012 at 12:13
Yes, indeed and and more grist to the mill today. The Telegraph is pushing thus hard.
By: John Green - 25th November 2012 at 11:56
Further news on Sgt. Nightingale. Many will already have heard. His appeal is being heard this Thurs. before the Court of Appeal. Please continue to write to him in Colchester Military Prison with a copy to your MP coupled with the request to pass this onto Dominic Grieve or Theresa May.
PS. Charliehunt has already referred to this in the previous comment
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November 15, 2012 at 10:21 am