A SENIOR UKIP politician in Worcestershire has hit out at the treatment of an ex-marine who is appealing his jail sentence for killing an Afghan insurgent.

Peter Jewell, who is a county magistrate himself, says the courts should have been more lenient and allowed Alexander Blackman out for Christmas.

The infamous war veteran was sentenced to life by a court martial in 2013 for shooting dead an Afghan prisoner at close range, but is appealing the sentence on the grounds of his mental health at the time.

Just before Christmas the 42-year-old, from Somerset, had his bail refused in controversial circumstances.

Mr Jewell, who was made UKIP's justice spokesman by new party leader Paul Nuttall, has hit out at the decision.

"Britain is a first world civilised nation and cannot condone the killing of prisoners - I would not wish to portray that UKIP considers that acceptable," he said.

"But why was Mr Blackman not charged with manslaughter?

"The prosecution would argue Mr Blackman foresaw that he 'intended to kill' the terrorist,and there was a foresight of virtual certainty that his actions would result in death - that carries a mandatory life sentence.

"However what was his state of mind at the time? He was clearly under severe pressure, and therefore a sudden loss of self control and therefore a diminished responsibility.

"This allows the court to set a tariff that is discretionary.

"We supported the bail application - we also believe there is a fine line of acceptance in the actions of the military under fire, and that we have to support these brave men and women more often."

The killing, on 15 September 2011, took place after a patrol base in Afghanistan's Helmand province came under fire from two insurgents.

One of the attackers was seriously injured by gunfire from a helicopter sent to provide air support, and the marines found him in a field.

The trial was the first time a member of the British armed forces had faced a murder charge in relation to the Afghanistan war, which began in 2001.

Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, sitting over the bail application, called it "an unprecedented case" but has insisted there is no need to "depart from usual practice".