‘Devastated’ SAS sniper Danny Nightingale must quit army
SAS sniper Danny Nightingale’s Army career was over last night after he was told he will be medically discharged.
Sergeant Nightingale – who faces a retrial after being jailed for possessing a war trophy pistol – said he was “devastated” to have to quit.
But the 38-year-old veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan accepted a medical board ruling that brain damage he suffered when he fell into a coma during a 132-mile charity marathon in Brazil meant he could not carry out his normal military duties.
The war hero’s wife Sally, 38, of Crewe told the Daily Express of her sadness that her husband will no longer be able to serve his country. She said: “We are sure it is the right decision because of Danny’s brain injury but obviously it is a bitter pill to swallow.”
She said the couple were “bitterly disappointed” he faces a retrial in July after his original conviction was quashed but the ruling could help his case as he claims he forgot about the pistol due to his brain injury.