A Dutch commando who in 2009 was awarded the Netherlands’ highest military honour for his work in Afghanistan, has refused a public prosecution department offer to settle drugs and weapons charges out of court.

Marco Kroon told a court on Monday he could not accept the offer, which included dishonorable discharge from the army, because ‘the army is my life’.
Kroon is appearing in court charged with the ‘possession and supply of several electric shock weapons and possession of a small amount of hard drugs for his own use’.
Wrong
Kroon has admitted ordering two electric shock weapons – one for himself and one for his brother. ‘That was wrong,’ he told the court.
He denies actively using drugs or being in possession of cocaine and ectasy. Traces of the drugs were found in his car, on his clothes and chest hair, the court was told.
Kroon was awarded the Willem’s Order cross by queen Beatrix in 2009. It was the first time in 54 years the medal has been awarded to an individual soldier.