A ROYAL Marine convicted of murdering a Taliban insurgent has been named as Sgt Alexander Wayne Blackman, believed to be from Taunton.

Blackman was named for the first time today (December 5) after a ruling in the High Court lifted an anonymity order preventing him from being identified.

The 39-year-old, known as Marine A during his trial, was found guilty by a court martial board last month of executing an injured insurgent in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Two other marines were acquitted but their anonymity will remain in place at least until the court publishes its full judgement and lawyers decide whether to appeal.

All three marines denied murdering the Afghan in September 2011, contrary to section 42 of the Armed Forces Act 2006.

Blackman is due to be sentenced tomorrow.