Court Martial News – Dead soldier’s mother may seek judicial review
Oct 29 2009 WalesOnline
The mother of a soldier who died after an unofficial Army punishment or “beasting” is considering legal action following a decision not to court martial anyone involved.
Private Gavin Williams, 22, of the Second Battalion the Royal Welsh Regiment, collapsed and died of heatstroke at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire, on one of the hottest days of 2006.
During a trial at Winchester Crown Court the prosecution alleged Pte Williams, from Hengoed, south Wales, had been put through an intense session of physical exercise to punish him for disobedience and a series of drunken high jinks.
Provost Sergeant Russell Price, 46, of 2 Rifles, physical training instructor Sergeant Paul Blake, 37, and Corporal John Edwards, 33, both from the 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh Regiment, were all cleared of his manslaughter.
But following their acquittal in July last year the judge, Mr Justice Royce, launched a stinging attack on the Army for allowing soldiers to undergo the unofficial punishments.
The judge also criticised the fact that three non-commissioned officers (NCOs) were placed in the dock while their commander, the adjutant Captain Mark Davis, who ordered that Pte Williams be brought to him “hot and sweaty”, was in the process of being promoted.
Following the trial, the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) of the Royal Military Police conducted a full investigation to examine whether there were any breaches of military law by anyone other than the three who were cleared.
The SIB then referred its findings to the independent Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA).—————–
Michael Waddington is a court martial lawyer – court martial attorney that defends military personnel worldwide as well as deployed civilian contractors subject to the UCMJ. He defends Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, and civilian contractor court martial cases. He has successfully defended military personnel as a court martial lawyer Army Navy Marine & Air Force court martials in Germany, England, San Diego, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fort Bragg, Fort Jackson, Fort Stewart, Fort Gordon, Italy, Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Okinawa, Japan, Yokota, and throughout the United States.
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