UNDER INVESTIGATION It all started about 1145 hrs on the 9th of June 2000, I was in the middle of writing out a RFA (Request for Assistance, in civilian language), in the DOB (Daily Occurrence Book), when the CSM (Company Sergeant Major), WO2 (Warrant Officer Class Two) Guest entered the MPS (Military Police Station) and told Pat O'Kane the orderly sergeant, that he was taking me away for an hour. "Get your beret Corporal Taylor, you're coming with me." "Oh ok, Sir." I tentatively replied. Once out of the door I asked him, where we were going. "I'll tell you all in good time Corporal Taylor." It was only when we were in his car that he told me that the SIB (Special Investigation Branch) wanted to speak to me. 'Why' screamed my mind. "Do you know why Sir?" "I haven't got a clue Corporal Taylor, lets just see what they have to say." After the short journey to Crocker Barracks, the home base of 74 Section SIB, I found myself sat in an interview room, with WO2 Guest as my unit observer, Corporal Lee Clarke RMP as the second service policeman, and WO2 Leeson, as the lead investigator, inserting two unused tapes into the tape-recorder and pressing the record button. "You are here to answer some questions in relation to an alleged offence of the 'Possession of an Illegal Drug, with Intent to Supply', but before we start I must caution you that………. etc etc." I was in a state of shock, thus when the offer of free legal advice was afforded to me, I jumped at the chance. This was serious, and I knew it. Upon speaking to a Lawyer over the phone, it was explained to me that, the Post Master of Normandy Barracks, Sennelager had intercepted an envelope, which he believed to contain cigarettes; on opening it five spliffs were discovered. The envelope was addressed to me, apparently sent by my Mother. The SIB believed that my intention was to sell the spliffs on. Of-course they got their facts wrong, but I was not about to correct them. Because of the unavailability of a Lawyer at that time, the interview was postponed until Thursday 15th June 2000 at 0900 hrs. Though until then WO2 Leeson informed me that they wanted to search my vehicle and living accommodation, to this request I gave my permission. Which doesn't mean a lot, because if I didn't they would only have gained permission from the OC (Officer in Command). Subsequently my vehicle was searched, extremely thoroughly; I saw parts of my car I never thought existed. Then my room, now that was bad. They meticulously went through every single item in my ownership. Flicking through every page of every book and comic. Scanning through all my Journals and photos. Searching through every item of clothing, including the smelling clothes of my laundry box. In light of this unrelenting, merciless search, three items were exhibit labeled and taken away as evidence. Firstly my '1996 Diary', exhibited due to the numerous references to 'Smoking Dope and getting Stoned.' Secondly my 'Hong Kong & Lantua Photo Album', due to the numerous photographs depicting me in the process of inhaling drugs and smoking joints. And thirdly my '2000 Journal' that makes mentions my plan to send my Mother some cigarettes. They didn't stop at my room, the search continued down at the basement as they rummaged through my MFO (I don't actually know what those letters stand for) boxes. Eventually, thankfully, the search was over. I returned to the Police Station to have a chat from the RSM (Regiment Sergeant Major) WO1 B Long, he said to me that I'm innocent until proven guilty, and until then I am to carry on my duties as normal. 'Innocent until Proven Guilty', I just hope that this bedrock of British Law will be my 'Knight in Shining Armour'. For the simple reason, that if ever there were a time when I needed one, now would be it. Life went on without much incident for the next few days, nobody was any the wiser of what was in the pipeline. I worked my shifts as per normal, got landed with the jobs, and got lambasted for not getting the jobs done. So it came as a surprise that when on Tuesday 13th June 2000, I was again called into the OC, Major Purnell`s office, to be read and handed, the following page: ADDENDUM 1 SUSPENSION FROM DUTY/WITHDRAWAL OF MILITARY POLICE WARRANT CARD I am suspending you from duty and withdrawing your warrant card. This action is without prejudice to any administrative or disciplinary action that may be taken. This action is necessary as the result of an ongoing SIB investigation against you. For the time being you will be employed in the RHQ QMS dept based in Herford. You will be under the command of the QM, Capt Hull, who will be your point of contact should you require any help or advise during your temporary relocation. You are not to return to 110 Pro Coy or any of its detachments unless first authorized to do so, personally by either myself or the RSM. This includes any social visit or Mess function. It was a shock, the RSM and OC in the office, both looking at me in disgust for getting myself into such a position. Having to walk to her desk and hand over my warrant card. Being told to go home and pack, that I'm no longer required in the Company. Very soul destroying, to say the least. My disgrace was complete, the following day I traveled to Herford, a forty-five minute journey north from Paderborn. Reporting to WO2 Evans the RQM (Regimental Quarter Master), later reporting to Capt Hull QM (Quarter Master). They both welcomed me and assured me that the reason for my redeployment will be kept between them. Thursday 15th June 2000, the day had finally arrived. The omens were bad from the outset. Once in the land rover, my transport to Sennelager, I discover to my horror that no diesel was in the tank, problem one, how many more problems were in store. Once at Crocker Barracks I at last meet my Legal Adviser, Flight Lieutenant Victoria Froggat. Four months out of training school, younger than me by about nine years. Suffice to say I didn't get the kind of advice I was hoping for. The advise being to 'tell the truth', I wish life was that simple, that telling the truth and whole truth was that straight forward, that black rather than white. Once again I found myself in the interview room, WO2 Leeson as the lead investigator, but this time with a different second service policeman, Cpl Ellis RMP. The evidence was placed before me, questions were asked, my denials and explanations were answered. Answers that was as easy to see through as crystal cut glass. Because of my denial of having any knowledge of the A4 envelope, containing five spliffs, posted to my mother, placed in the postbox of Normandy Barracks, Sennelager, written in similar handwriting as my own. Combined with the incriminating evidence gathered from my diary, depicting my concern that I was in big trouble. At least the interview was over. They or rather Cpl Ellis, finger printed me. The final and most decisive nail had finally been banged deep and hard into my coffin. The only saving grace being the fact that it'll take three months for the prints to be processed. To round of the day, I had a traffic accident on my return to HQ Wentworth Barracks, Herford. As I positioned the land rover in a parking space, a parking space next to a bush. A metal rod of about three foot tall pierced the wheel hub, causing considerable damage. Thankfully, a certain Sgt Law of the REME, has pulled some strings and was able to handle this situation without the higher echelons having to find out about it. Monday the 19th of June I was again at Crocker Barracks to give samples of my handwriting. Eighteen times I was required to write down my mothers address, on eighteen separate pieces of paper. Evidence surplus to the case, a waste of money even, fingerprints are fingerprints. I expect they thought that if someone were going to send drugs through the post, they would be astute enough to wipe all fingerprints clean. No doubt they have no incline of how stupid and naive I am. Thus all in all I'm done, the bluff was called and I lose. The consequences of which are yet unknown. ADDENDUM 2 PRIME MINISTER Dear Sir, 1. I am writing to with the sincere and humble hope, that you will read this letter with an open heart, mind and soul. I'm getting worried, sleepless nights etc, etc. On the 5th July 2000 I received a letter back from 10 Downing Street, which said: ADDENDUM 3 Dear LCpl Taylor The Prime Minister has asked me to thank you for your recent Mr. Blair receives many thousands of letters each week and hopes Yours sincerely Dean Harris Exactly what I expected, no doubt a letter to the Defence Minister wouldn't go amiss. But having sent a letter to the Prime Minister, it seems I have banged a extra nail into my coffin, for it was made known to be, by another person who had done the same, the if you desire to question the Prime Minister, it must be done through the 'Chain of Command'. Ultimately the letter I wrote would find it's way to the RSM, and no doubt be used by the SIB as evidence against me. On the 25th July 2000 I once again found myself at Crocker Barracks, waiting in the waiting room, pondering what the SIB had in store for me. To my surprise, they informed me that they wanted my consent to a DNA test, requiring me to provide a sample of blood. Initially I said no, explaining that the finger print results would be more than enough evidence, to determine my innocence or guilt. Cpl Ellis, who I now know by his first name, ‘Simon’, and Staff Sergeant Garfield, both explained to me the wisdom in compiling with their wishes. Stressing the fact that my consent will go in my favour. Privately I thought that nothing would go in my favour once the fingerprint results return. The DNA would be yet another nail in the coffin, that is by now already nailed watertight. The reason they explained was that DNA could be matched with a sample collected from the salvia used to lick the stamp. And that the finger print results still have not returned. Cpl Ellis recorded in his notebook, that when asked to consent to a DNA test for a second time, I replied, "Yes, of course I will." About 1045 hrs that day, I was accompanied by Cpl Ellis, and Cpl Gledhill (a new comer to the SIB), to the Medical Centre of Normandy Barracks. As far as I know the secret of my investigation had been kept 'secret', since the time the CSM first took me to the SIB. Unfortunately my plight became public knowledge about 2 weeks ago. This was made known to me while I was at the Hartz Mountains, Germany, enjoying a few weeks of adventure training. On the second intake of personnel from 110 Pro Coy, while at Sonnenberg Lodge, our place of residence for our time there, Barry (Basher) Brooks, a good friend of mine, upon seeing me said, "Matt, I've heard some rumours that you are under investigation by the SIB, for possessing drugs with the intent to supply". I assured him it was just a rumour. Nick Simmons, another good friend of mine, said the same thing. Again I assured him it was just a rumour, Nick's reply made me laugh. He said, "Yeah, I knew it was a rumour, I mean you wouldn't be stupid enough. If you were to send drugs, you of all people would have naturally, sent it in a disguised package, using gloves not to leave finger prints, and posted it through the German Postal Service, without writing a return of address". If only you knew Nick, how stupid I really am, but hey, at least I never included the return address on the envelope!!! This whole episode got me thinking as to how the secret was let loose. Initially I thought it was Peter Steele, for he had revealed my secret to me, through his own devices, long before he told me that he knew. The higher ranks of the RMP assured me that my plight wouldn't be discussed outside their circle. I trusted Peter Steele and trusted the integrity of the higher ranks of the RMP. Cpl Gledhill, the newcomer to the SIB, in my opinion, was responsible for the leak. "How long have you been working here, Paul?" I asked "Oh, about two weeks" he replied. I knew he was the prime suspect once he answered the question. Married to another RMP, he couldn't wait to return home and tell her all about it. I'm just angry that Paul Gledhill is now apart of the investigation, is now a person privy to look upon my person as I'm proven guilty. He isn't worth it. Once at the Medical we suffered a little wait before a doctor, namely Dr Cathryn Zaph, kindly inserted a needle into my right arm and extracted two tubes of blood, labeling them A and B, before placing them in an exhibit bag. The deed was complete. The wait continues. On the 14th of September 2000, the wait was over (well not totally), for again, for what seems like the umpteenth time, I was again summoned to the interview room of SIB 74 Section. My Legal Adviser on this occasion was Squadron Leader T.Cowley, a very attractive woman, young but experienced. She put me at ease from the initial moment, an ease that carried all through. She was assigned to me, rather than Flight Lieutenant V.Frogget, because previously on getting the news that the SIB wanted to talk to me, I phoned them asking for another legal adviser be present. The reasons for this have already been documented. Suffice to say I told her everything, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, her advice was that I rely what I told her to the SIB. I was not too sure. She ran through or the options at my disposal: Tell the SIB the truth, resulting in the Judges of the inevitable Court Martial looking favorably upon my confession. Deny the allegations, and force the SIB to further their investigation by sending my fingerprint and DNA analysis to be progressed. (This surprised me for I believed they had already done this, I thought the reason I was here was because the results had returned. However, I was wrong. Their reluctance to waste public money on the analysis was no doubt due to the letter I wrote to Mr. Blair. Yes, it was in their possession, exhibited, a vital piece of evidence against me. Their trail of thought was to confront me with this new evidence and see if I admit to the charge, if I did not they would resign themselves to the cost of the analysis. As I foresaw, the letter came back to haunt me.) Give a 'No Comment' interview, which would result in the same actions as number 2. Give a Voluntary Statement admitting my guilt and then saying no more. Deny everything with the intent of pleading not guilty at the Court Martial, sit back and hope for the best. Plead not guilty on mental health grounds, facing the risk being classified as 'Clinically Insane'. Before I made my decision, I spoke on the phone to a certain Mrs./Miss (I don't know for sure) Clare Wilson, an associate of a certain Mr. C Hill, specialist lawyer of military matters. Peter Steele, who believed that a civilian lawyer would be able to achieve more than a military lawyer, recommended Mr. C Hill to me. Alas, Mr. Hill was unavailable. Clare Wilson's advise was number 3. For my sins, I chose number 4. ADDENDUM 4 I make this statement knowing that it may be tendered in evidence. The contents are I fully admit this offence. I prepared the parcel myself and posted it to my mother. Signed and dated. Present in the interview room was WO2 Leeson, Cpl P.Gledhill RMP as second service policeman, Squadron Leader Cowley and I. After the initial administration points, I read aloud the aforementioned statement and then proceeded to reply 'No comment' to all further 28 questions. I quote the number because Squadron Leader Cowley intended to intervene after 30. She was keeping count! The interview concluded when WO2 Leeson informed me that she believed there to be sufficient evidence to forward a report to my Commanding Officer. One interesting point being that my offence had been added to. No longer was I being investigated for Possessing an illegal drug with the intent to supply, but now, Possessing an illegal drug with the intent to supply, Offences against SOBA (G) (Standing Orders of the British Army, Germany) and contravening Regimental Standing Orders. On further discussions with Sqd Ld Cowley it was made known that the most likely outcome of my trial, which would probably happened sometime in February 2001, would be 'Dishonorable Discharge from the Army', a fine and sometime time serving Community Service. That would suit me very nicely, though she could be wrong, which in my case she probably is. Another snippet of information I gleamed was the cost of employing a civilian lawyer. About £680, or there about. In light of which I have decided against employing one. Again the wait continues, but with less weight on my shoulders. On the 9th January 2001 about 1440hrs, while conversing with my fellow employees in the unofficial smoking room of RHQ, 1 RMP, Herford, that WO1 (RSM SIB) K. Semple entered and said, “Three O’clock” “Three O’clock, what Sir?” “Three O’clock warning of orders from the CO.” Five minutes of fear later the time was changed to half past three. In the presence of WO2 E. Evans, WO1 Semple, Lt Col Bailey (Commanding Officer, 1 RMP) sat me down and read the following (Or words to the effect): You are charged for trial by General Court-Martial for ‘Committing a civil offence contrary to section 70 of the Army Act 1955 that is to say attempting to supply a controlled drug to another contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal attempts Act 1981.’ Omitting to mention the second charge of ‘Disobedience to Standing Orders contrary to section 36(1) of the Army Act 1955. After explaining the finer details of the procedure, I was allowed to carry-on with my business. Which was to have a talk with Capt Hull, who incidentally will be a ‘Unit Advisor’ throughout my coming ordeal. The only concrete advise he gave, apart from reassuring more than he realized was to recommend a Mr. Keith Raynor, to act as my solicitor. Advise I am likely to take on board, over the recommendation of Mr. Chris Hill by Peter Steele. A date for the looming Court-Martial has yet to be finalized, though its been guessed to happen within a three month time scale. As part of the procedure of being ‘Warned for Orders’, I have been handed the complete and final case-file/Prosecution papers of my investigation (Case reference: 37025/00). Comprising of four so-called ‘bundles’: A – List of Prosecution Witnesses & Statements I must admit was surprised to find a statement from my Mother, surprised too with the number of people involved. Reading over the taped transcripts, photocopies of selected pages from my 2000 Journal and the letter to Prime Minister Blair, has made me cringed more than once. To recap: At last the wheels of Fate have started their unrelenting turn of fortune or misfortune, it all depends on what it has in store. I’d like to bring to your attention a horoscope by ‘Sally Brompton’ who writes for the ‘You Magazine’ of the Sunday Mail. A Cancer horoscope for the month of January that my mother brought to my attention. A lunar eclipse in your birth sign on the 9th sets the tone for 2001, Cancer. It marks the end of an important chapter in your life – and the beginning of another equally significant one. And even if it does not appear immediately to conform to your expectations, it will do so in the long term. Well the first part of the prediction has appeared to come true; lets just hope the rest does too!!! On Tuesday 20th February 2001 at about 1015hrs I set out from Hereford to PRB Gutersloh, arriving at the Police station to meet with Mr. Raynor (My appointed solicitor). The meeting went without hitch. And to tell the truth I haven’t got much to say about it. He is off the opinion that civilian jail is out of the question, though 11 months at the pleasure of the Queen isn’t. He was particularly impressed with my diary entries, stating that the prose I wrote was not becoming of a lance corporal of the British Army, of which I took as a compliment. Let’s just wait and see.
On Sunday 29th April 2001, I went AWOL (Absent Without Leave). Now the story really begins.
© Copyright 2007 Matthew Taylor
|
|---|