Royal Navy: Officer serving on board HMS Albion relieved duty after accusation of sexual assault by female sailor

By Freddie Webb

Defence Reporter

Published 31st May 2022, 11:10 BST

Updated 31st May 2022, 11:10 BST

A ROYAL Navy officer has been relieved of duty after being accused of sexual assault by a female sailor.

The alleged incident took place in Amsterdam on Saturday night.

It is claimed that following a night out, the officer on board HMS Albion molested the sailor.

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The officer is station on board HMS Albion, which is docked in Amsterdam. Pictured is The FS Garonne towing assault ship HMS Albion on November 4, 2021. Picture: Terence Wallet

placeholder image — The officer is station on board HMS Albion, which is docked in Amsterdam. Pictured is The FS Garonne towing assault ship HMS Albion on November 4, 2021. Picture: Terence Wallet

He was ushered by navy police back to the UK on Sunday.

Consequentially, the officer could lose his 25-year career and may face criminal charges.

He has currently not been charged by police or named.

Speaking to The Sun, a Royal Navy source said they have a zero tolerance regarding sexual assault.

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They said: ‘This is a serious allegation which brings the service into disrepute.

‘There is an attitude among seamen that “boys will be boys” but this kind of behaviour is unacceptable in every walk of life.

‘If the allegations are proven it’s not just a gross breach of his authority but a criminal offence, plain and simple.’

Royal Navy Amsterdam Downing Street HMS Prince of Wales