Army Soldier Expelled for Sexual Assault Following Late-Night Encounter
In a case that highlights the importance of respecting boundaries, a 6ft 6ins British Army soldier has been removed from service due to his involvement in a distressing incident of sexual assault. Signaller Ryan Pell, aged 26, faced a trial at Bulford Military Court after being accused of subjecting a female comrade to a traumatic experience during a late-night walk. Despite her pleas to stop, Pell repeatedly attempted to kiss his much shorter victim, overpowering her with a ‘bear hug’ and other inappropriate actions.
The 5ft 4ins woman, Pell’s much smaller colleague, endured what she described as a ‘never-ending’ ordeal. The incident included Pell’s drunken behavior, which involved pinning her against a fence, pushing her to the ground, and straddling her, all under the guise of ‘a bit of fun.’ However, these actions were far from humorous to his victim.
Following the trial, Pell was found guilty on three counts of sexual assault. In a clear response to his actions, Britain’s sole female military judge, Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England, emphasized that Pell was solely responsible for the damage he inflicted on his own career. She dismissed him from the Army and sentenced him to a 24-month suspended sentence, while also ordering him to compensate his victim with £1,000.
Pell’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victim’s life. The 17-year-old victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, shared her ordeal in court. The incident had caused her to suffer from sleep disturbances and heightened anxiety when confronted by loud male voices. She stated, “Before the incident, a male raising his voice at me would not have bothered me, but this has definitely changed since the incident.”
During the trial, the victim recounted the sequence of events. It started with an argument with a fellow soldier, prompting Pell to suggest a walk to discuss the matter. However, he had clearly been drinking and exhibited unsteady behavior. As they walked together, Pell’s actions escalated as he attempted to kiss the teenager multiple times, despite her protests.
The victim revealed that Pell went so far as to trap her in a “bear hug,” preventing her from escaping his advances. This forced intimacy left her frightened and uncertain of what might happen next. Pell’s actions continued with him pinning her against a fence and making further advances, ignoring her pleas for him to stop.
Ultimately, Pell’s lack of remorse and refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing played a significant role in the court’s decision. Despite his potential contributions to the armed forces, his actions that fateful night cast a long shadow over his military career. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disregarding consent and the impact it can have on victims.