walter kennedy
The question of crew duty time is, I believe, central to the issue. A "stopover" for a rest would not have solved the problem - it would have exacerbated it. Crew Duty time accummulates from the moment the crew assembles for the Task. It can be extended under clearly defined rules and one extension had already been requested and approved for this task.
What we have is the Captain of this aircraft facing a one sided interview with his Station Commander for breaking the strict rules on Crew Duty and/or nightstopping outside Theatre without the approval of HQ NI. His only option was to complete the task in the least possible time.