8:20am Wednesday 17th March 2010
By Megi Rychlikova
A ROYAL MARINE jailed for scarring a young woman for life in a York nightclub may be able to go to Afghanistan after all.
Matthew James Sowerby, 20, feared his military career was over when he was sent to prison for ten months at York Crown Court last month. He had been preparing to go on the front line with his unit 40 Commando later this spring.
But today he is a free man after the Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to a community order – and his unit is still in the UK.
Now he must wait to know if the Royal Marines will take internal disciplinary action against him for his actions in Reflex in George Hudson Street last November, and to learn whether that will prevent him going with his colleagues to the front line.
Giving the appeal court’s decision, Mrs Justice Sharp said “on the very special facts of this case” the sentence could be reduced.
Sowerby had “glowing” references from his commanding officer and others “attesting to his dedication and skill” and he had immediately admitted to his actions and apologised, she said.
Sowerby, of Samian House, Tadcaster Road, York, pleaded guilty to wounding bar worker Sarah Cartwright. Both courts heard that he threw his drink at the bar manager, who was standing near her, but the glass slipped in his hand and hit her. Instead of ten months in jail, the appeal court ordered him to do 150 hours’ unpaid work and pay her £1,500 compensation.
Bashir Ahmed, prosecuting at the York court, said the glass cut Ms Cartwright in three places, scarring her for life and that she had suffered from flashbacks.
A spokesman for the Royal Marines confirmed Sowerby was still a Royal Marine and his unit was due to deploy to Afghanistan. He said the Marines did not comment on appeal court decisions, nor did it reveal details of internal military disciplinary matters. However, there was a possibility Sowerby could face military consequences for his actions in Reflex.
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