Latest news with #sexualallegations
The Guardian
14-05-2025
- The Guardian
Royal Navy commander removed from role less than three months into post
A Royal Navy commander has been removed from his role less than three months into post while he is investigated over sexual allegations. Lt Cdr Martyn Mayger took charge of HMS Tyne, a warship that operates in UK and European waters on security tasks, in February. It is understood he has been removed from command in the past week with the executive officer of the ship taking his place temporarily. The Times reported the allegations are of 'unacceptable sexual behaviour with a subordinate'. Mayger is being investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command after a complaint was raised. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday: 'We can confirm that a member of the armed forces is under investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command in respect of these allegations. 'As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further. 'We have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour. Our people can be assured that should they raise any allegation, they will be fully supported, and the matter investigated, with appropriate action taken as required.' Last week the head of the Royal Navy was suspended pending an investigation. The MoD said last week that an investigation into the first sea lord, Adm Sir Benjamin Key, 59, was 'ongoing'. He had reportedly been expected to retire this summer but it is understood he has been told to step back from his role while the investigation takes place. Key was absent from the lineup of senior military personnel on the Mall for celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and it is understood that the second sea lord, V Adm Martin Connell, has taken full charge until a permanent replacement is announced. The first sea lord, who has served more than four decades in the navy, is understood to be the first head of the navy to face a misconduct investigation in its 500-year history.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- The Independent
Royal Navy commander removed from role over allegations of sexual behaviour
A Royal Navy commander has been removed from his role less than three months into post while he is investigated over sexual allegations. Lieutenant Commander Martyn Mayger took charge of the warship HMS Tyne in February. It is understood he has been removed from command in the past week, with the executive officer of the ship taking his place temporarily. The Times reported the allegations are of 'unacceptable sexual behaviour with a subordinate'. The newspaper said Lt Cdr Mayger is being investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command after a complaint was raised. The ship operates in UK and European waters on security tasks and 'protects the UK's interests', the Royal Navy said. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday: 'We can confirm that a member of the armed forces is under investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command in respect of these allegations. 'As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further. 'We have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour. Our people can be assured that should they raise any allegation, they will be fully supported, and the matter investigated, with appropriate action taken as required.' It comes after the head of Royal Navy was told to step back amid reports of an alleged affair with a subordinate. The MoD said on Friday that an investigation into First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Benjamin Key, 59, was 'ongoing'. He had reportedly been expected to retire this summer but it is understood he has been told to step back from his role while the investigation takes place.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- BBC News
Barry teacher cleared of sex abuse is to face no further charges
A teacher cleared of having a sexual relationship with a teenager has been told he will not face prosecution on two other Coombs, 54, from Barry, was a drama teacher at Pencoedtre Comprehensive and was involved in local theatre denied seven charges of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of a trial at Cardiff Crown Court last week he was found not guilty on five of the charges - but remained in custody after jurors could not reach a verdict on two other charges. Mr Coombs' defence argued the allegations against him were nothing more than malicious rumours and that he had never admitted to sleeping with the trial heard the defendant was involved with theatre groups for 30 years and had been a teacher for 20 years without having a complaint made against Crown Prosecution Service told Newport Crown Court on Wednesday it would not seek a retrial on the remaining Eugene Egan formally found Mr Coombs not guilty of the remaining charges and he was released from custody.
