Troops who marched for Marine A could have their pay docked

ROYAL Marines who flocked to a rally demanding justice for jailed comrade Alexander Blackman could lose half a day’s pay as punishment.

Serving personnel defying a Ministry of Defence ban by turning up at the demonstration in their green berets may face action by their commanding officers.

They risk administrative punishments, such as docked pay or having to undertake extra duties, it is understood.

But those who supported the protest wearing civilian clothing will not be reprimanded.

Hundreds of campaigners assembled in Westminster Square on Wednesday to support Sgt Blackman, who is serving eight years for killing a wounded Taliban fighter in the heat of battle in Afghanistan in 2011.

Those who attended the rally said the court martial of the 41-year-old sergeant – in which he was known as Marine A – was a travesty of justice with vital evidence withheld.

As many as 1,000 veterans took part, along with members of the public and serving troops.

Last night Sgt Blackman’s wife, Claire, 43, said he was ‘incredibly grateful’ to all those who showed their support.

She told the Daily Mail: ‘I was absolutely delighted with the turnout. My husband was really impressed by all he had seen and is incredibly grateful.

‘He asked me to pass on his thanks to the lads. I am looking forward to hearing what he thought tonight.’

Conservative MP Richard Drax, a former Army officer, said of the march: ‘What a brilliant day it was yesterday and thank you to all those who attended.

‘The fact so many serving Royal Marines went underlines the significance of the case and what it means to those serving and those former personnel that the case is reheard.’ Those who attended the demonstration in civilian clothing will not face punishment as serving personnel are allowed to attend political rallies as long as they do so in an unofficial capacity.

Last night no serving personnel had yet been disciplined.

Sgt Blackman’s supporters demanded an urgent review of his conviction following a Daily Mail investigation which uncov- ered evidence which was withheld from his court martial.

A new legal team led by Jonathan Goldberg QC is preparing to petition the Criminal Cases Review Commission to send the case back to the Court of Appeal.

An appeal for legal costs launched in the Mail raised £804,000 in a month.

Comment – Page 14