Michael Lyons loses appeal

Conscientious objector loses appeal against conviction for ‘wilful disobedience’

by Symon Hill 21st October 2011

A member of the Navy who changed his views on war has lost an appeal against his conviction for ‘wilful disobedience.’ Michael Lyons is serving nine months in an armed forces detention centre because he refused to use a rifle.  The appeal court last week decided to uphold the conviction made at a court-martial in July and refused to reduce the sentence. They have not yet given their reasoning, which they will publish shortly.