[tlb]

No I think you miss my point. I'm neither arguing for or against the proposition that a crime was shown in the photos. My question is more technical.

The photos apparently showed nothing more definite then partial nudity and the suggestion of sexual action. Since photos of partial nudity and suggested sex between adults aren't per se illegal ( ie-- grounds for immediate arrest ) in Britain, I return to my original question.

Normally in the absence of an extradition detainer, local police have no authority to arrest for crimes committed in another nation. For illustration think back to the US killer who fled to France and lived there for years until extradited last year. Until a competent legal or military authority issued a pickup order on this soldier, on what grounds did the policeman act ?

[Thumper1960]

I would assume that the police officer detained the soldier on the suspicion of a crime. Gone down to the station for a chat, no doubt. Detention until determination if a crime has been committed may be standard in Britain....whose laws I am not familiar with. Once the military has been contacted, I'm sure they have codes of cunduct that may apply in this case.

In any event, the soldier is in deep crap over this. Abuse of prisoners is a crime, no doubt. No matter who they may be.