Wednesday 29 June 2022 10:36 AM 'Happily married' army major, 58, who touched junior female soldier's bottom is ... trends now
A decorated British Army major has been fined and severely reprimanded after he touched a junior female soldier's bottom while they were playing beer pong in the officers' mess following a Remembrance Day commemoration.
A military court heard Major Anthony Philpott had been the most senior officer playing the popular drinking game following the all day event to remember Britain's wartime heroes.
As he celebrated a successful turn 'fuelled by too much alcohol', the 'happily' married father of two reached out and touched the bottom of the woman in front of other junior officers.
The court heard the woman was left feeling 'unsafe and creeped out' by his 'inappropriate' behaviour which led to the 58-year-old being heavily criticised by a military judge.
Judge Advocate Edward Legard said: 'Women are at the front and centre of the modern Armed Forces.
Major Anthony Philpott, 59, arrives at Bulford Military Court Centre, where he pleaded guilty to one count of disgraceful conduct after touching a junior female soldier's bottom during a game of beer pong
The soldiers were playing beer pong in the officer's mess, when Major Philpott reached out and touched the female officer's bottom - leaving her feeling 'creeped out' and 'unsafe'
'If the Forces are to remain operational they must be inclusive... women must be able to attend a social event knowing they will not be a victim of unwanted touching.
'Your job and duty is to uphold the highest behaviours and integrity. You are the person who subordinate officers and soldiers should look up to.
'This conduct falls below the standard of your rank and seniority.'
Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard that prior to the incident Major Philpott and fellow officers had attended a meal and Remembrance Day event which continued into the early hours of the morning.
The hearing was told Major Philpott had been in a team of five, standing next to the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The pair did not know each other prior to the incident.
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