Naval Service recruits barricaded bedrooms over fears of sexual assault, tribunal hears

On Thursday, the tribunal heard that female recruits had been forced to barricade themselves in their bedrooms at Haulbowline Naval Base because they feared being raped. Picture: Denis Minihane

One of three men suspected of performing a sex act on the underwear of two female Irish Naval Service recruits was previously suspected of trespassing on private property to watch a child bathing, the Defence Forces Tribunal has heard.

It also heard that, despite concerns among the female recruits that the incident could lead to a more serious sexual assault against them, the Military Police officer who oversaw the investigation said it was not his “responsibility” to take steps to improve their safety in the weeks and months that followed.