Four members of the Royal Navy have been charged with sexual assault.
Craig Stoner, 24, Darren Smalley, 35, Joshua Finbow, 23, and Simon Radford, 31, were each charged with one count of sexual assault by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.
One of the four British Navy sailors charged with sexual assault. #cbcns https://t.co/cdU6wffF4f
— Brett Ruskin (@Brett_CBC) April 17, 2015
In a statement on the Government of Canada website, Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Bolduc, Commanding Officer of the CFNIS, said: ‘This is a disturbing accusation of sexual assault.
‘I’m pleased with the full cooperation provided by the British authorities to support the hard work and diligence of the CFNIS team in responding to this matter.’
Second of four British Navy sailors charged with sexual assault. #cbcns https://t.co/uUuqCL7W8I
— Brett Ruskin (@Brett_CBC) April 17, 2015
It was reported that the men were charged for their role in a ‘group sexual assault’ in barracks in Shearwater, Nova Scotia.
The men were there to take part in a hockey tournament with Canadian Armed Forces.
Third of four British Navy sailors charged with sexual assault. #cbcns https://t.co/fNisFnj1Se
— Brett Ruskin (@Brett_CBC) April 17, 2015
He said the Canadian military has jurisdiction over the case, but added that the British military could take over at some point.
The sailors are being held and are due in court on Monday.
Fourth British Navy sailor charged with sexual assault. #cbcns https://t.co/OWkhlBicx9
— Brett Ruskin (@Brett_CBC) April 17, 2015
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said the navy ‘takes allegations of this nature very seriously’ but it’ would be inappropriate to comment further’.
The MoD said it will provide all appropriate assistance to the Canadian authorities.
