§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints have been received concerning the conduct of off duty RIR soldiers from the Howe Barracks in Kent; how many soldiers have been arrested and charged with drug-related offences; how many disciplinary actions have been taken in the barracks in the past two years; and what the outcome was in each case. [59699]
§ Mr. IngramThere have been three cases of complaint involving off duty soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment (1 R Irish) at Howe Barracks in the last two years. Within the same time frame, one soldier has been charged under the military system for possession of drugs and one soldier was arrested by the civil police, also for possession of drugs. There have been a total of 35 case of disciplinary action taken in the barracks in the past two years. The particulars of the cases are detailed as follows.
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Offence Total return Action taken Absence without leave (AWOL)1 21 One reduced in ranks One fined £350 19 given military detention from 07–50 days Disobedience to standing order 1 Reprimand Abusive behaviour 1 Fined £250 Threatening superior officer 1 Fined £200 Loss of ID card 1 Dismissed Violent disorder 1 Referred to higher authority Assault 1 Referred to higher authority Drunkenness 1 Compensation to offended party Theft 1 Military fine £280.41 Offering violence 1 Dismissed Using threatening language 1 14 days detention Battery 1 Dismissed Conduct prejudice to good conduct and military discipline 2 Dismissed Possession of controlled drug 1 42 days detention 1 Personnel who have been absent for over 24 hours This does not include minor offences, such as poor turnout or inadequate fitness, which are dealt with at company level.