Trooper gets severe reprimand for going AWOL

AN EXPERIENCED officer has been severely reprimanded, fined and asked to consider her position in the armed forces after going absent without leave from her duties.

Trooper Paula Staunton, 34, based at Collins Barracks in Cork city, received the formal rebuke after arriving at the army facility an hour later than scheduled.

The incident occurred on the morning of January 14, 2010, at the height of the severe winter weather.

Under evidence before Judge Anthony McCourt, the military court was told that Trooper Staunton, who has 13 years’ experience as a trained soldier, arrived at 9.30am for her duties which were due to begin at 8.45am.

Like other army personnel, the 34-year-old said she left her home earlier than usual due to traffic congestion and poor road conditions.

Under questioning from prosecution legal representative, Commander Pat Burke, she said she left her home in Mallow at approximately 7.30am that morning but had “fallen asleep” while in a car with a colleague.

This, she said, was because of a serious back injury sustained last year which has caused Trooper Staunton difficulty sleeping for sustained periods at night.

When the army member awoke, at approximately 8.15am, she realised she would not arrive for her duties on time and alerted the base.

However, when Trooper Staunton arrived at 9.30am her legal representative, Niamh O Donnabháin, said she had already been marked absent without leave.

Her colleague, who was also late, was not marked absent without leave.

A number of officers who were called as prosecution witnesses, including Trooper Staunton’s acting commanding officer on the day, Sergeant Pat O’Regan, disputed the defence team’s view of events. In particular, Sergeant O’Regan said he received no phone call from Trooper Staunton to explain where she was, that this had not been a first offence, and that her late arrival had disrupted barrack duties.

During the hearing it was noted that Trooper Staunton had been marked absent without leave at 8.30am – 15 minutes before she was due to arrive.

However, considering the previous reprimands against her, Judge McCourt concluded she was an “habitual offender” for going AWOL. He sentenced her to a severe reprimand and €300 fine.

Under military court rules, an individual who is found guilty of this offence can be given a reprimand, severe reprimand, fine, custodial sentence or dishonourable discharge.

The 34-year-old now has until May 10 to lodge a challenge against the ruling. It is understood she will appeal the judgment and is planning a case against the Irish army over allegations of discrimination since her back injury occurred.