Bill will outlaw fake heroes
A NEW bill could bring back legal action against Walter Mitty characters who brazenly brandish war medals, despite never setting foot in a conflict zone.
The legislation, proposed by Gareth Johnson, Tory representative for Dartford, is supported by Bosworth MP David Tredinnick.
It received its second reading in the House of Commons at the same time as Mr Tredinnick’s parking reforms and could be on the statute books within the next two years.
If it is written into law it would mean cases such as Roger Day from Earl Shilton would be fully liable for prosecution.
In 2010 Mr Day, a carpenter and churchgoer, was arrested and pleaded guilty to unlawfully using military decoration.
He was sentenced to 60 hours of community service, however, the sentence was quashed when it was discovered the legis- lation he was charged under had been replaced 11 days before he committed the offence.
He had sported a total of 17 medals, accessorised with an SAS tie pin and beret - apparently purchased as replacements for lost decorations by fourth wife Maxine, who he wooed by telling tales of his wartime derring do.
In introducing his bill Mr Johnson said: “To undermine our veterans is wrong, to claim to be a military hero when you are not is wrong, and to steal valour is wrong.”
A more recent case saw a man investigated last year for wearing medals he may not have earned at parades in his hometown and Hinckley.
While members of the Royal British Legion called for an explanation and police attended the man’s home, no action was taken, and because of the absence of legislation, no law was broken.
Speaking in support of the Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill, Mr Tredinnick said: “People should not be able to claim they are heroes when they are not. There is rightly a heightened respect for veterans and the service they have given this country.
“That, coupled with the increased accessibility of secondhand medals and insignia, has led, in my estimation, to an increase in the number of people stealing valour from genuine heroes.
“The so-called Walter Mittys parading themselves at Remembrance Day service parades and elsewhere sporting medals they have not earned not only is insulting but undermines those veterans who have legitimately earned them.”
The bill will mean anyone suspected of sporting medals which they have not been awarded could be arrested, charged and prosecuted, should it be in the public interest. The tradition of family members wearing medals (usually on the right breast) would not be affected.