David Lammy Raises Concerns Over US Fighter Pilot's Trial in UK
David Lammy, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, is engaging with the US government regarding the "extremely concerning" case of an American fighter pilot who avoided trial under English law after strangling a woman at his Cambridge home.
Lammy addressed parliament on Tuesday, emphasizing his intent to obtain a full account from the US government about the case involving Sarah Steele, an academic assaulted by the pilot. He noted that multiple British government departments are reviewing the matter due to its cross-departmental implications. These remarks followed a commitment from Downing Street, with the prime minister's spokesman describing the situation as "deeply distressing."
Details of the Court Martial and Jurisdiction Issues
Lammy's statements came in response to an investigation revealing that Captain Jacob Wulfson, the US Air Force pilot, was tried at a court martial held on a US airbase, despite the offense occurring while he was off duty.
Although the crime took place within UK territory, Cambridgeshire police transferred investigative responsibility to the US military, which subsequently managed the prosecution. This case has sparked debate over the primary responsibility for investigating crimes committed off US bases by military personnel while off duty.
It appears the US aims to maximize its jurisdiction in such cases, with British forces allowing the US military to investigate and prosecute these offenses.
Parliamentary Reactions and Calls for Justice
On Tuesday, Jess Brown-Fuller, the Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, argued in parliament:
"Victims of crimes on English soil should see justice served in our justice system."
Lammy responded:
"Halving violence against women and girls is a decade mission for this government.
This case is extremely concerning, and our thoughts, of course, are with the victim, Sarah, but given the cross-agency nature of this case, my officials are working across government and we’re raising this case with the US government to establish the full facts."
Outcome of the Court Martial
At his court martial in April, Captain Wulfson was convicted of strangling an intimate partner but acquitted of sexual assault. The trial was conducted by an all-male panel of United States Air Force officers, serving as the equivalent of a jury.
He received a sentence of six months in a corrections facility at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, the US airbase where he was stationed, and was dismissed from the Air Force.
Victim's Perspective and Broader Implications
Sarah Steele has publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with the US military justice system following the assault by Wulfson. She stated that one reason for coming forward to was to raise awareness that many in the UK are unaware that crimes committed by US military personnel can result in prosecution under a foreign and outdated justice system.
Currently, over 12,000 US military personnel are stationed at at least 15 bases and facilities across the UK.
Local Political Response
Nick Timothy, Conservative MP for West Suffolk, where RAF Lakenheath is located, wrote to Lammy last week demanding answers. He stated:
"This case should have been fully investigated by the English police and prosecuted in our courts."
