Five Royal Marine Commandos including a sergeant convicted of murdering an Afghan insurgent should be granted life-long anonymity, a court heard today.

Hugh Tomlinson QC, who is representing three of the men – including the killer – said the situation was “unique”.

Addressing the Court Martial Appeal Court in London, Tomlinson said: “We say that the evidence establishes real and immediate risk. If it doesn't go that far it plainly establishes some risk, and that risk is to life and limb and also psychological harm."