“I have known Shaun as a valued member of the HM Revenue and Customs Close Protection Team in Kanadahar, Afghanistan since March 2006. Kandahar is an extremely hostile working environment and as the principal I have always found that Shaun constantly maintains a vigilant and professional approach to his duties. As a member of the team he makes considered and logical decisions based on all of the available intelligence when planning moves in and around Kandahar city. He is willing to amend his movement plans to accommodate the needs of the principal, but only if it does not result in unacceptable risk. Should a proposed move pose too great a risk he explains the reasons for his opinion in a reasoned manner and seeks to find an alternative, safer way for the principal to achieve his business needs.

With his intelligent and calm approach, Shaun commands the respect of other team members in Kandahar and is also very much a team player and is a considerable asset to any team. He has maintained a cheerful and friendly attitude despite the primitive conditions he and the rest of the team have lived in for the past 12 months.

He is calm and practical in emergency situations, qualities that have come to the fore on various occasions when our convoy has been in and around Kandahar city.

His friendly, outgoing and confident manner along with his professionalism is reassuring to the principal, especially in such a hazardous environment as Kandahar. When required to accompany me into meetings he provided unobtrusive security and has never disclosed what he may have heard in the course of discussions.

I have no hesitation in recommending Shaun to anyone requiring close protection whether armed or not.”