UK Army hero quits over new 'abuse' inquiry

[Barrett808]

Source: Scotsman

Army hero quits over new 'abuse' inquiry
CRAIG BROWN

A WAR hero cleared of abusing Iraqi civilians in custody has quit the army over fears that he could face a fresh investigation.

Colonel Jorge Mendonca, MBE, was one of seven soldiers to face a court martial relating to the alleged abuse of Iraqis, one of whom died, after their arrest as suspected insurgents in Basra in September 2003.

Col Mendonca, 43, an infantry commander who won the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry in Iraq, was cleared in February of failing to ensure that his men did not ill-treat the detainees.

He decided to leave the military after learning he could be the subject of a fresh inquiry.

His wife Louise, 38, a former Territorial Army major, said the army's insistence on pursuing an investigation despite his acquittal had been the last straw.

They had believed that, under the "double jeopardy" rules, he could not face further action over the same incident. But he had been told a fresh military inquiry would be going ahead.

Read more: http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=862942007

[babylonsister]

1. Call me cynical, but it makes me wonder if he's hiding anything. nt

[DavidDvorkin]

2. Or perhaps he fears he'll be made the scapegoat

[Posteritatis]

3. Cleared's cleared. Double jeopardy ain't cool. (nt)