Royal Marines Sentenced for Assault on Fellow Recruit
Four Royal Marines have been sentenced to eight months of service detention after being found guilty of assaulting a fellow recruit at a bar in Exeter. The incident, which occurred in July last year, involved the four men fracturing the cheekbone of Recruit Anton Mills.
The individuals involved are Eathen Bradley-Moor, 22, Shaun Joash, 25, Lucas Johnson, 22, and Ben O'Callaghan, 23. All were recruits stationed at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, at the time of the incident. They were part of the 377 Troop, while Recruit Mills belonged to the 382 Troop.
The court heard that the assault took place at The Botanist bar in Exeter when the four men saw Recruit Mills "drunk and annoying" by squeezing a woman's neck. According to the prosecutor, Colonel Neil Keery, the situation escalated quickly.
"Recrt Mills had been drinking most of the day and at about 9pm he went to the botanist and spoke to a friend of his ex girlfriend. He was persistent and even squeezed her neck at one point, not aggressively but not welcomed by her either," said Colonel Keery.
At this point, Bradley-Moor and Johnson started an altercation, leading to the assault. Bradley-Moor pushed over Recruit Mills, and another recruit encouraged him to leave, but he refused. This led to a more serious assault, with all four men involved.
During the attack, the four men punched and kicked Recruit Mills, who fell to the ground and was then stamped on. Bystanders tried to intervene, and security was called to diffuse the situation. However, by that time, Recruit Mills had suffered a fractured cheekbone in three places.
The court also heard that the four men were interviewed by service police but did not fully disclose the extent of the fight. In a victim statement, Recruit Mills described the impact of the incident on his training and morale.
"After I sustained a fracture to my left cheekbone, I was unable to continue my training with 382 Troop and was put in 100 which is essentially for injured recruits. Following the assault I'm much more aware of my surroundings, especially when I'm out or have been drinking. I'm always checking over my shoulder."
He also mentioned that the incident affected his confidence in joining the Royal Marines. "If I'd stayed with my old troop I would have my green beret by now but as it is I failed my run and haven't passed out yet. I still have months left of training."
Despite the severity of the incident, the four men have since advanced in rank and are now serving in non-combat roles. Their defense argued that the incident was spontaneous, caused by fatigue and stress from recent field training.
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Pandyan, defending the four men, stated that the situation was a result of impaired judgment and loss of control. "It was unfortunate circumstances for the impaired judgement and subsequent loss of control," he said.
In sentencing the marines, Judge Advocate General Alan Large emphasized the seriousness of their actions. "None of you have ever been in any trouble before, but on July 12 last year you were in The Botanist bar in Exeter. At around nine in the evening Anton Mills was talking to a friend of his ex-girlfriend's. He was drunk and annoying her which led to a confrontation."
The judge noted that the four men had positive references and could have successful careers if they remained in service. "Unlawful violence can corrode operational ability and unit cohesiveness. Dismissal should be considered in cases of ABH [assault occasioning actual bodily harm]."
However, the court decided against dismissal, stating that service detention was more appropriate than a prison sentence. The four men have also been ordered to pay £750 in compensation to their victim.
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