Wife of Marine A 'trying hard not to get excited' over possible bail

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

The wife of a Royal Marine jailed for life for murdering a wounded Afghan insurgent has spoken of her hope that he will come home by the end of the week.

Sergeant Alexander Blackman, known as Marine A, was convicted of murdering the captive in Helmand province in September 2011, but the case is set to return to court following the presentation of new evidence.

His wife, Claire Blackman, said she was "trying hard not to get excited"about a bail hearing on Friday, which could see Blackman released in time for their wedding anniversary and Christmas.

"We've still got to get the yes from the judge," Mrs Blackman told Forces TV.

Blackman, of Taunton, Somerset, was serving with Plymouth-based 42Commando. He was found guilty of murder at a court martial at the Military Court Centre in Bulford, Wiltshire, in 2013.

The announcement that bail could be given 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's bail hearing is expected to take place at 2pm on Friday at the Royal Courts of Justice.

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