Wife of marine jailed for murdering Taliban fighter to launch fresh bid to clear his name

Sergeant Alexander Blackman, known as Marine A, was jailed for killing Taliban militant

British marines protest outside of the parliament building in London

THE wife of the Royal Marine jailed for life for murdering a wounded Taliban fighter is launching a fresh bid to clear his name next week.

 Sergeant Alexander Blackman, 41, was jailed after being controversially convicted of murdering the Afghan captive in Helmand province in September 2011.

His wife Claire, 43, has now announced she plans to submit an application to have the case reviewed and referred back to the Court of Appeal.

A new legal team will argue that “significant” evidence was withheld from the court martial and defence legal representation was “flawed”.


Her appeal to the Criminal Cases Review Commission - an independent public body which investigates alleged miscarriages of justice - will be submitted next Wednesday. To mark the occasion Marine veterans and fellow supporters are planning to gather in Birmingham where the Commisison is based - on the same day to show their support.

Sgnt Blackman is believed to be the only British serviceman ever convicted of murder on the battlefield and has claimed the court martial case was flawed. 

Claire, from Taunton, Somerset, said: “I'm really looking forward to everybody at the show of support in Birmingham on Wednesday December 16. “This event marks a really important step in Al's case.

“This is the day that we will hand in the application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to request that Al's case is reviewed by the Court of Appeal. “We really couldn't have got this far without your amazing support and generosity."

Claire thanked wellwishers who have donated more than £750,000 to fund her legal battle. She added: “We would not have been able to afford the legal team that have got us to this stage. “It would be wonderful to see as many as of you as possible on the day.
“The family are hoping to meet as many of Al's supporters as we can and we really look forward to seeing you there.”