Armed Force soldiers accused of committing crimes will be offered FREE support
MEMBERS of the Armed Forces accused of committing crimes in the heat of battle are to be offered free legal representation for the first time.
Members of the Armed Forces accused of committing crimes will be offered free legal support
A brainwave of Prince William’s former mentor, Major General Sir Sebastian Roberts, the scheme could cover soldiers facing prosecution by the Government’s Iraq Historic Allegations Team.
It will also apply to soldiers, sailors and airmen facing courts martial at home.
The new service comes amid mounting concern that legal aid cuts have forced more and more service personnel to represent themselves during potentially life-changing trials.
Major General Roberts, chairman of insurance company The Military Mutual, has revealed that the costs of experienced barristers will be met out of surplus income from the organisation’s raft of policies tailored for the Armed Forces.
It will also apply to soldiers, sailors and airmen facing courts martial at home
Soldiers who are not already mutual members will also be allowed to seek help retrospectively.
“This is about redressing the balance,” he said yesterday.
Soldiers who are not already mutual members will also be allowed to seek help retrospectively
This is about redressing the balance
“When you have a military prosecution service, with lots of qualified barristers lined up against an individual, whether he is a non-commissioned officer or a major with no legal experience, you begin to see that the situation is not soundly weighted.
“For the first time, all serving members of the UK Armed Forces facing serious charges will have access to free legal defence services.
We will even consider applications from those who weren’t with us at the time of their alleged offences. It’s the right thing to do.”
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The Government’s controversial £100million inquiry is examining 1,500 allegations of crimes committed by British soldiers in Iraq between 2003 and 2009.
Of these, 23 have already been interviewed under caution, with three formally charged.
By 2019, it is expected that 50 soldiers may face prosecution.
“The removal of Crown Immunity was an enormous shock to the military system,” explained Major General Roberts.
“This isn’t about attacking the Ministry of Defence. It’s about supporting the brave men and women who risk their lives for this country and deserve proper justice when they find themselves facing serious charges.”
By 2019, it is expected that 50 soldiers may face prosecution
An MoD spokeswoman said: “All personnel interviewed after caution receive publicly funded legal advice and assistance.
“The Ministry of Defence can, in appropriate cases, decide to fund legal support at trial without means testing.”