SAS sniper Danny Nightingale to be medically discharged

Danny Nightingale's retrial is expected to start on 1 July

An SAS sniper facing a retrial for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition is to be medically discharged from the Army.

Danny Nightingale had been recommended for the discharge after suffering brain damage in 2009.

His lawyer, Simon McKay, said Sgt Nightingale's last week with the Army would be in February 2014.

Sgt Nightingale, 38, of Crewe, Cheshire, faces the retrial after a previous conviction was quashed.

He had admitted possessing a 9mm Glock pistol and ammunition at a court martial in November.

A military detention sentence was overturned at the Court of Appeal in March and a judge later ordered the retrial.

It is expected to start on 1 July.

Mr McKay said: "I am happy to confirm he has received confirmation from the Army personnel centre that he is to be medically discharged from the Army."