A QUEEN’S guard was allegedly kidnapped by an ex-comrade and held at
knife-point after they became embroiled in a love triangle.
Private John Watson is accused of grabbing old pal Trooper James Dicks, who is
thought to be with his ex-wife, at Army accommodation near Windsor Castle on
Wednesday.
Household Cavalryman Dicks, 28, allegedly had clingfilm wrapped around his
face, his wrists and ankles were bound with cable ties and he was bundled
into a car boot.
It is believed he was driven to a second location in the town. But Dicks
fought back when dragged from the car and was stabbed in the hand and
slashed on the head, sources say. An off-duty police officer saw the alleged
incident and raised the alarm.
Watson, 43, was arrested the same day and now faces kidnap charges.
Dicks and Watson served together in Prince Harry’s old unit the Blues and
Royals, part of the Household Cavalry.
Its ceremonial duties include guarding the Queen and it is based at Windsor’s
Combermere Barracks.
Dicks is still in the unit but Watson is now with the Military Provost Guard
Service, which protects Army bases.
It is believed Dicks is now in a relationship with Watson’s ex-wife Lynsey
Foston.
He was said to have been taken to hospital for treatment but released later
the same day.
A family friend claimed he was now on sick leave and was expected to have
surgery on his hand on Saturday to repair nerve damage.
The friend said: “It was a terrifying ordeal. He is now off duty while his
injuries get seen to.”
Dicks and Watson are both fathers of two children.
Watson, of Pirbright Camp, Woking, appeared at Slough magistrates court on
Thursday charged with one count of kidnap, one count of possession of an
offensive weapon in a public place and one count of grievous bodily harm
with intent.
He will stand trial at Reading crown court later. An Army spokesperson said:
“We are aware a serving soldier has been charged by the civil authorities in
connection with an incident in Windsor.
“It would, therefore, be inappropriate to comment further.”