Thackeray was subsequently stripped of his rank and reduced to a midshipman .
After some deliberation , Taylor was allowed to give his evidence , as criminal trials such as court - martials , were adjudged to be on behalf of the Crown , unlike civil prosecutions .
Thackeray was subsequently stripped of Taylor 's rank and reduced to a midshipman .
After some deliberation , Taylor was allowed to give his evidence , as criminal trials such as court - martials , were adjudged to be on behalf of the Crown , unlike civil prosecutions .