The Royal Marine became the only member of the British forces convicted of murder during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Deployed Sgt Blackman deploys to Helmand province with 42 Commando as part of Op Herrick XIV. His unit is sent to Nad-e Ali, where it sees heavy fighting. Several marines are killed and others maimed.

The killing Taliban insurgents attack a small British patrol base. The attack is repelled with the aid of a British Apache helicopter gunship. Sgt Blackman and his marines are on patrol and sent to look for the fleeing attackers. They find one, lying gravely wounded, in the middle of a field. Sgt Blackman shoots him in the chest with his pistol. The killing is captured on helmet camera by one of the patrol.

Discovery The video of the incident is found on a Royal Marine's laptop during an investigation by civilian police into another alleged crime. A police investigation begins.

Arrest Seven unnamed Royal Marines are arrested on suspicion of murder

Court Martial begins Sgt Blackman and two others go on trail accused of murder. He is only identified as 'Marine A' and his comrades as Marines B and C. They give evidence from behind screens. All three plead not guilty.

Verdict Sgt Blackman is found guilty of murder. The two other marines are acquitted.

Named A court rules Sgt Blackman, still only known to the world as 'Marine A', should be stripped of his anonymity.

Sentenced Sgt Blackman is given a life sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 10 years in a civilian prison.