Daily Mail
March 4, 2015
Victoria Cross winner Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey has been told by top brass that he and his family face a kidnap threat from British-based Islamic terrorists.
The heroic soldier and his close relatives have duly stepped up their security. They made the changes following a review carried out before last week’s announcement that he had won the top medal.
A Defence source revealed: ‘His life will never be the same. For this reason we have to be very careful. The soldier and his family have embraced the changes.’
L/Cpl Leakey’s actions as part of a joint UK/US mission to attack a Taliban stronghold in Afghanistan in August 2013 included saving the life of a US Marine wounded in a gun battle.
He is also credited with displaying outstanding leadership after insurgents surrounded US troops and destroyed their communications.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘Security arrangements are regularly reviewed to ensure the appropriate security of staff.’
L/Cpl Leakey comes from a distinguished military family. His cousin won a Victoria Cross in the Second World War and his father is a former RAF Wing Commander.