HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 cc744-5W
Mr. McNamara

To 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. Ingram

There 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.

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.