Row over captured crew story sale

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Mike Aston, whose 30-year-old son Corporal Russell Aston was one of six military policemen killed by a mob in Iraq in 2003 said he was "absolutely amazed" by the MoD's decision.

"Let's put it this way, regarding my son's death - and it was a very high profile case - I can put my hand on my heart and say that I've never sought or made a penny out of it in any way, shape or form," he said. "I think to actually sell (my) story it would besmirch my son's memory. I really think this whole thing has been shameful and this just compounds it by going for the money."

The former head of the Navy, Admiral Sir Alan West, said that he would not have allowed the personnel to sell their stories.

"It does leave a slightly tacky taste in one's mouth," he told BBC News 24. "It is not good. I do not believe that it will sit well with the rest of the Services and I do not think it will sit well with the country."

In a brief statement, the MoD said normal rules banning Service personnel from selling their stories could be suspended in "exceptional circumstances" such as "the award of a Victoria Cross or events such as those in recent days".

Later, in a fuller statement, it said that the intense media interest meant that their stories would have have come out anyway through families and friends in a way over which the military had no control.

Among those who stand to benefit from the MoD's decision is Leading Seaman Faye Turney - the only woman in the party - who has been the particular focus of media attention. It is reported that she has now sold her story to ITV1's Tonight with Trevor McDonald and a newspaper for a sum in excess of £100,000.

The MoD's decision was welcomed by Lieutenant Felix Carman - the naval officer in the group.

"Somebody, somewhere, is going to make money out of this story and they have said we are happy for you guys, the people who have been involved, to actually be the ones to do that," he told BBC News 24. "I think some people will probably take it up. However I am just happy to get the actual truth out."