Paratrooper docked for punching Taliban insurgent

London, Feb 7(ANI): A paratrooper is facing trial for punching an escaping Taliban member.

The case, which is estimated to cost the taxpayer 250,000 pounds, is continuing even though there are no formal witnesses.

British military prosecutors admit that the captive, Ahmed Wali, has provided 'unreliable' evidence, The Daily Mail reports.

But the Service Prosecuting Authority has refused to drop the case and charged CplC with the assault. He is due to appear at a court martial later this month.

His legal team had moved the high court for seeking a judicial review of the decision to prosecute him.

His name is being kept secret because he served alongside special forces.

Cpl C was a qualified tactical questioner when the incident occurred in March 2010.

He admitted that he punched Wali when insurgents were firing at the compound and laying down IEDs.

Cpl C's friends criticised the decision to prosecute him as 'absurd'.

"He is a young British paratrooper who has risked his life and was doing his duty. There is no other point of this prosecution than political correctness. He should be seen as a hero, not facing the prospect of his good name being left in tatters," his friend said.(ANI)