12:18 30 November 2012
An SAS soldier who was found to possess a 9mm Glock gun and over 300 rounds of ammunition is free, and has received a reduced sentence. Danny Nightingale has been handed a 12-month sentence which has been suspended following Thursday’s appeal.
Mr. Nightingale, from Crewe, greeted his family after he was released from the military detention where he has been kept since early November. He was originally handed an 18-month sentence.
His father, Humphrey Nightingale, has said that the family are “overjoyed” but also that they intend to clear his name.
Mr. Nightingale has explained that the reason for him having the Glock, which was found in Hereford, was because his soldier friends gave it to him as a present. The SAS member has had training in Iraq.
It is understood there has been much support shown for Mr. Nightingale, with some people putting an emphasis on the fact that he has suffered medical problems. This relates to claims that a brain injury meant he was unable to remember he was in possession of the gun.
The soldier was held in military detention because reportedly, he previously pleaded guilty to a court martial.
Mr. Nightingale’s lawyers are hoping to overturn the conviction after having already submitted an application for this.