FORMER marine and leader of the Liberal Democrats Paddy ahsdown has reacted to the news that Marine A will be released from prison in the coming weeks.

As a former marine who served in the special boat service, Lord Ashdown gave his opinion on Marine A, Alexander Blackman, at the launch of the Liberal Democrats county council manifesto in Taunton recently.

Blackman had his sentence reduce to seven years last week. This means he will be released from prison in the next couple of weeks.

Blackman was convicted of murder of an insurgent in November 2013 by a court martial in Bulford, Wiltshire, and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 10 years.

Following a lengthy appeal his charge was changed to manslaughter and his sentence reduced to seven year last week. This means he will be released from prison in the next couple of weeks.

Lord Ashdown said: "This was a very serious charge and it is a matter for the courts to decide. We are under the rule of law and we should respect that. It is part of our democracy and something that politicians should not interfere with.

"I am delighted that the court did find mitigating circumstances."

Marcus Fysh, South Somerset MP, has also welcomed the announcement.

Cllr Fysh said he is “delighted first and foremost for Sgt Blackman and his family, based here in Somerset, as they can be reunited after such a hard fought campaign.

"The public support throughout has shown the dedication to our armed forces and what they do to protect us and this country.

"In addition, this high profile case has brought attention to the mental well-being of our military personnel in exceptionally stressful situations and how important it is to look after the before, during and after they’re out of active duty."