Epic effort by Special Forces hero
Witch-hunt of Iraq veterans ends in failure
A CONTROVERSIAL witch-hunt of British Iraq War veterans is ending as more than 1,000 accusations have been dismissed, investigators admitted.
Ministry of Defence legal experts said there was a lack of evidence and a low level of offending relating to allegations involving the British military following the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
More than 1,000 allegations were made by shamed former lawyer Phil Shiner and his firm.
He was struck off in 2017 after being found guilty of misconduct and dishonesty by a solicitors’ watchdog.
Director of the MoD’s Service Prosecuting Authority Andrew Cayley said seven cases had been referred but in six cases it was concluded no charges should be brought.
One case is still being considered, but he said it is possible none of the allegations will lead to a prosecution.
Mr Cayley said he was confident no action would be taken in an
International Criminal Court investigation into alleged abuses by British soldiers.
Solicitor Hilary Meredith, representing some of the soldiers accused by Mr Shiner, said: “At long last, this witch-hunt is coming to an end.
“Thousands of lives were ruined by the £57million unit set up in 2010 to pursue allegations of wrongdoing during the Iraq war. But it did not result in one prosecution.
“Andrew Cayley has drawn the same conclusion. I am calling for a meaningful, public apology.”
In March the Government introduced a Bill to stop vexatious claims against Armed Forces personnel serving abroad. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said: “It is about making sure we never end up in a situation like this again.”
A SPECIAL Forces’ veteran who suffered a stroke will today begin an epic challenge in a bid to inspire other victims.
Mark Bowra, 46, is aiming to cover 1,000 miles in 39 days using a treadmill and exercise bike at his home.
He had reached the rank of Lt Col in the Special Boat Service and was awarded the MBE for his military work before suffering the brain injury in 2014.
He said: “Recovering from a stroke is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do but my experience in the military has helped me so much.
“I want to complete this challenge to demonstrate that with courage, determination and cheerfulness in the face of adversity anything is possible.”
The Invictus Games gold medallist, from Poole, Dorset, will be joined by ex-Formula One driver and friend Mark Webber.
As well as donating, people can also join in the challenge remotely.
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More details at bowra-foundation.org