NEW research is being carried out in Bolton to find out why there are so many Armed Forces veterans in prison.

It is thought as many as eight per cent of prisoners in the UK have previous military experience — but the exact number of veterans going through the criminal justice system is not known.

Now, the probation service in Bolton is helping to find out as early as possible whether criminals have any military experience.

It is hoped the data will allow the probation service to better understand the problems facing ex-servicemen, and reduce the disproportionately high number falling into crime.

Dave Ankers, from Bolton Probation Service, himself a Parachute Regiment veteran, is one of two officers helping to co-ordinate the project in Bolton.

He said: “The North West is one of the biggest recruiting areas in the country, and that means a lot of them gravitate back to the North West.

“The vast majority of them crack on with life, but there is a percentage who don’t.”

Some people serving in the Armed Forces can face problems when they return to normal civilian life, Mr Ankers said, such as finding a job, housing and coping with everyday tasks such as paying bills and eating properly—issues which were handled for them while serving.

These issues, combined with the effect on mental health that can sometimes arise from the severe stress of witnessing the horrors of war, can cause problems such as drug, alcohol or violent tendencies.

Starting this week, Bolton’s probation service is ensuring people they deal with are asked if they have military experience.

Veterans can be referred to specialist support services such as Combat Stress, The Royal British Legion or the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association.