Outstanding soldier escapes jail sentence on drug charges

Non-commissioned officer who was up for special notation for conduct during Operation Cast Lead caught smoking drugs in Kinneret. Prosecution demands prison sentence, but judge decides to impose NIS 750 fine

Hanan Greenberg |Published: 11.24.10 , 15:38

An non-commissioned officer caught using drugs will not be sent to jail because of his outstanding conduct during Operation Cast Lead two years ago. The military prosecution demanded the soldier be sentenced to prison, however a military court judge chose to take into account the NCO's combat history and ordered him to pay a fine.

Last April, the soldier, who serves in the Gaza Division, was caught smoking hash during a trip to the Kinneret and was charged with drug charges. A conviction on such charges can lead to a prison sentence lasting several months.

The soldier's attorney, Idan Pesach, noted his client's impressive IDF history during the court hearing. The NCO had apparently taken over from his commander after he was killed during combat activity and was consequently nominated for the division commander's special notation last year.

The attorney further stated that following the arrest his client's nomination was withdrawn and it was decided to terminate his IDF service. It was also noted that the drug incident was an isolated event and had noting to do with the soldier's army service.

Judge Noa Tomer accepted the attorney's request to consider the soldier's history and determined that the termination of his service was punishment enough. Tomer ruled that he will receive of fine of NIS 750 (roughly $205) and will be demoted to private.