Sixteen SAS men to testify against sniper accused of illegally possessing gun Sergeant Danny Nightingale had jail time reduced from 18 months to a suspended sentence The 38-year-old faces up to five years in jail if found guilty Hearing will have the biggest number of Special Forces witnesses since 1988 Sergeant Nightingale's wife Sally said she was 'shocked' to learn that so many of her husband's colleagues will give evidence against him As many as 16 SAS troops have been summoned to give evidence against a fellow Special Forces soldier charged with illegally possessing a handgun and ammunition. Some will be flown back from secret missions around the world to testify. Top-level security is to be imposed on the court martial hearing next month of Sergeant Danny Nightingale, 38, as a result of the troops" presence. It is expected to be the highest number of Special Forces witnesses called since the inquest into the deaths of three IRA members shot by the SAS in Gibraltar in 1988. Armed military police will be on hand at the July 1 hearing and the SAS soldiers will give evidence from behind screens. All civilian personnel present will be searched before entering the courtroom at Bulford Garrison, Wiltshire. The heightening of security follows the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last month. Last night Nightingale's wife Sally said she was "shocked" to learn that so many of her husband's colleagues are to give evidence against him. Last November, Nightingale was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty to the same offence. But within weeks he was released when the Court of Appeal reduced his term to 12 months suspended. In March this year the same court quashed his conviction but ordered a retrial. He faces up to five years in jail if found guilty. Nightingale's second court martial will be presided over by Judge Advocate General Judge Jeff Blackett, who has approved the security procedures. Last night, a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence declined to comment. Nightingale was sentenced to 18 months last November. Within weeks the Court of Appeal reduced his term to 12 months suspended. In March this year the same court quashed his conviction but ordered a retrial