Marine A could be released on bail in time for Christmas

Alexander Blackman, known as 'Marine A'. Credit: Family

West Country based former Royal Marine Alexander Blackman could be released on bail on Friday after serving 3 years in a Wiltshire prison.

Blackman - known as Marine A - is serving a life sentence for murdering a wounded Afghan insurgent.

On Friday 16 December the Royal Court of Justice court will hear an application for Blackman to be released while he awaits an appeal hearing against his conviction.

It's believed an independent review could see Blackman's conviction quashed altogether following new evidence.

Sergeant Blackman was jailed for shooting a wounded Afghan soldier at close range. Credit: MOD

The news was announced on the 'Justice for Marine A' social media site via a video message from John Davies, a former Royal Marine and 'Justice for Marine A' campaigner.

A young supporter joins veterans in campaigning for Alexander Blackman to be freed. Credit: ITV News

The announcement that bail could be given to Marine A, comes after an independent review concluded he faces the "real possibility" of having his conviction quashed following the presentation of new evidence last week.

Blackman was found guilty of murder at a court martial at the Military Court Centre in Bulford, Wiltshire, in 2013.

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