Steve helps to 'lay down the law' in Iraq (From Warrington Guardian)

Steve helps to 'lay down the law' in Iraq

A ST HELENS soldier, helping to set up a police force in Iraq, finds himself back in that war-torn country for the second time within a year.

Former De La Salle pupil, Corporal Stephen Stanley, 27, is currently putting the fledgling force through its paces as he helps with their training.

During his first tour, Stephen was supporting the first Americans into Iraq and then the Royal Marines get through the border into the country.

Now his task is very different.

He said: "We had to establish some kind of police force in the Safwan area. We were dealing with all sorts of crimes - murder, kidnapping, theft and looting."

Speaking about the new police force, he said: "We have plenty of candidates but we have to establish their suitability. Some are from the old police force and some are totally new."

"We led them at first and they just watched, now we let them deal with the situation and we evaluate their efforts."

"Training them to make the place more stable is one of the best things about being here."

Stephen, who is based just north of Basrah added: "Since my first tour the facilities have improved quite a lot here, for instance most places have a decent gym," which is handy as he is a physical training instructor.

Since joining the Royal Military Police in 1997 Stephen has also travelled to Bosnia, Croatia, Cyprus, Canada, Kuwait and France.