A new report has revealed that the United States routinely bypasses British courts to handle military crimes committed by its personnel in the United Kingdom, raising serious concerns about sovereignty and accountability. The report, published by the Centre for Military Justice, documents multiple cases where US service members accused of crimes such as assault, sexual offenses, and even homicide were not prosecuted in UK courts but instead were dealt with under US military law or simply repatriated.
Key Findings of the Report
The report, titled 'Justice Deferred,' analyzed data from 2010 to 2025 and found that in 87% of cases involving US personnel accused of serious crimes in the UK, the suspects were either handed over to US authorities or the cases were dropped. Only 13% of cases proceeded in UK courts. According to the report, 'The UK has effectively ceded jurisdiction over a significant number of crimes committed on its soil.'
One prominent case involved a US airman accused of assaulting a woman in Suffolk in 2022. Despite being arrested by UK police, the suspect was transferred to US custody and later faced a court-martial that resulted in a reduced sentence. The victim told the Guardian, 'I felt like the UK system let me down. He should have been tried here.'
Legal Framework and Loopholes
The legal basis for this practice stems from the Visiting Forces Act 1952, which grants the US primary jurisdiction over its personnel for offenses committed in the line of duty. However, the report argues that this act is being exploited. 'The line of duty definition is so broad that it covers almost any act by a service member, even off-duty,' said Dr. Emily Thornberry, a legal expert at the University of Bristol.
The report also highlights that US courts-martial often result in lighter sentences compared to UK courts. For example, a US marine convicted of manslaughter in a 2019 road accident in Cambridgeshire received a 12-month sentence, while a UK civilian would face up to 14 years.
Impact on Victims and Justice
Victims' rights groups have condemned the practice. 'Victims are left without a voice,' said Sarah Jones of the UK Victims' Support Network. 'Many are not even informed when a suspect is transferred.' The report calls for a review of the Visiting Forces Act and greater transparency.
The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on specific cases but stated that 'the UK and US have a strong partnership, and all cases are handled in accordance with international agreements.' However, the report's authors argue that the current system undermines British sovereignty and denies justice to victims.
