Sex assault soldier has court martial appeal dismissed

An ex-soldier, whose lawyers contended that indecent proposals or behaviour did not constitute a sexual assault, has had an appeal against his court martial dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

The 42-year-old, who cannot be identified to protect the victim’s identity, had denied a charge of sexual assault and four charges of conduct contrary to good order and discipline at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk, Co Louth, on October 30, 2013.

He was convicted by a board of Defence Force members and the penalties imposed by Military Judge Colonel Michael Campion ranged from fines to detention and discharge.