Service Prosecuting Authority -v- Five Royal Marines

On Monday 15 October the Service Prosecuting Authority requested a custody hearing in respect of 5 members of the Royal Marines at Bulford Military Court Centre. All of the marines were represented and appeared in person. The judge advocate granted the custody application and they were remanded in custody until 22 Oct 2012. The judge advocate, Judge Elsom, made an order prohibiting the identification of the five marines on the grounds there was a real and immediate risk to their lives. A preliminary hearing and custody hearing will be held before the Judge Advocate General, His Honour Judge Blackett, at Colchester Military Court Centre at 1pm on Monday 22 October 2012. This will be a public hearing but the court may have to go into chambers (private). At the hearing, the Judge Advocate General will:

1. Hear review the decision to remand the marines in custody
2. Deal with any other matters including the anonymity order

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

1. Details of the charges can be found on the website of the the independent Service Prosecuting Authority at http://spa.independent.gov.uk/
2. For security reasons, media wishing to attend the hearing should give advance notice of their intention to Gareth Palmer, Media Ops Colchester - tel: 01206 816075 or email: gareth.palmer507@mod.uk Photographic ID is required to gain access to Colchester Garrison.
3. Information on the judicial side of proceedings please contact the Judicial Press Office on 020 7947 6490.