Murder 'must not besmirch marines'

Jimbuna · 11-10-13, 09:02 AM

Whilst I find myself unable to condone what has happened, nor can I criticise....being in a war situation must have an undescribeable impact on your train of thought.

Quote:

The conviction of a Royal Marine for murdering an injured Afghan insurgent should not "besmirch" the organisation, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.
Speaking to marines at Downing Street, Mr Cameron said the "appalling" case in no way represented the spirit and proud history of the Royal Marines.
The sergeant, identified only as Marine A, was convicted over the shooting of the unknown man in 2011 on Friday.
A retired commander has said he should be shown leniency when he is sentenced.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24877081

Herr-Berbunch · 11-10-13, 09:17 AM

I agree - can't condone nor criticise, the deaths and mutilation of friends in the period running up to this must surely have had an impact but can't be an excuse.

Only the other day I read something from an Argentinian officer involved in a fierce battle in the Falklands. He'd written to the opposing regiment's association thanking them for dealing professionally with the wounded and dead immediately after the battle. Big difference here, but then it's not a uniformed army they are against.

Platapus · 11-10-13, 10:55 AM

[quote[Marine A faces a mandatory life sentence but a minimum term will be set on 6 December. [/quote]

I am not sure I understand this sentence. Is this some nuance of UK Law?

Jimbuna · 11-10-13, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

[quote[Marine A faces a mandatory life sentence but a minimum term will be set on 6 December.

I am not sure I understand this sentence. Is this some nuance of UK Law?[/QUOTE]

A life sentence in the UK is mandatory if convicted of murder but the judge then decides the minimum term in years that must be served before any consideration can be given to a release date.

CaptainMattJ. · 11-10-13, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

I am not sure I understand this sentence. Is this some nuance of UK Law?

A life sentence in the UK is mandatory if convicted of murder but the judge then decides the minimum term in years that must be served before any consideration can be given to a release date.[/QUOTE]
Is there any circumstances where this is not the case? Something like a crime of passion kind of scenario?

Jimbuna · 11-10-13, 02:48 PM

It is possible to be found guilty of murder but after taking into account any mitigation the judge may allow you to walk free.

I'm not sure if and how many times this has happened but a little research would probably uncover something.

Life as a prison sentence generally means a minimum of seven years upward to actual life.

11-10-13, 09:17 AM	#2
Herr-Berbunch Kaiser Bill's batman Join Date: May 2010 Location: AN72 Posts: 13,203 Downloads: 76 Uploads: 0	I agree - can't condone nor criticise, the deaths and mutilation of friends in the period running up to this must surely have had an impact but can't be an excuse. Only the other day I read something from an Argentinian officer involved in a fierce battle in the Falklands. He'd written to the opposing regiment's association thanking them for dealing professionally with the wounded and dead immediately after the battle. Big difference here, but then it's not a uniformed army they are against. __________________

11-10-13, 10:55 AM	#3
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,360 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	[quote[Marine A faces a mandatory life sentence but a minimum term will be set on 6 December. [/quote] I am not sure I understand this sentence. Is this some nuance of UK Law? __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

11-10-13, 02:48 PM	#6
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,461 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	It is possible to be found guilty of murder but after taking into account any mitigation the judge may allow you to walk free. I'm not sure if and how many times this has happened but a little research would probably uncover something. Life as a prison sentence generally means a minimum of seven years upward to actual life. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!