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JUDGE LASHES NAVY

Service personnel blasted by beak over ‘disgraceful’ drunken antics as officer is cleared of rape

Judge says Mitchell took advantage of female colleague as he condemns 'disgraceful behaviour' in the Forces

Samuel Mitchell

A JUDGE lashed the Royal Navy over drunken sailors after an officer was cleared of rape.

Sub Lt  Samuel Mitchell, 27, allegedly attacked the officer cadet in her cabin after a navy college ball.

 Cleared ... Samuel Mitchell arriving at court martial at Portsmouth Naval Base
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Cleared ... Samuel Mitchell arriving at court martial at Portsmouth Naval BaseCredit: Solent News & Photo Agency

But the alleged victim admitted having an orgasm during sex – and even got back into bed and cuddled him.

And she asked her supposed attacker to put on a condom during the alleged rape, the court was told.

This is yet another case I’ve sat on where excessive alcohol has been consumed by service personnel which has led to disgraceful behaviour.

Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett

Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett, sitting at Portsmouth Military Court, slammed Mitchell and the military.

He called for the authorities to clamp down on “disgraceful drunken behaviour”.

He said: “Whatever happened to her on that evening between you and her, she didn’t invite you in to her cabin.

"You took advantage of her, she was in an inebriated state and you were looking for sex.

 Disgraceful ... The judge slammed Mitchell's actions, saying he took advantage of his drunk colleague
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Disgraceful ... The judge slammed Mitchell's actions, saying he took advantage of his drunk colleagueCredit: Solent News & Photo Agency

“I make no criticism of her for coming forward and making a complaint against you, the panel has given you the benefit of doubt.

"This is yet another case I’ve sat on where excessive alcohol has been consumed by service personnel which has led to disgraceful behaviour.”

 Boozy ... Britannia Royal Naval College, where ball took place
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Boozy ... Britannia Royal Naval College, where ball took placeCredit: Britannia Royal Naval College

Mitchell had told cops the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had flirted with him.

He claimed she made up the rape claim out of fear of the impact on her Navy career.

He denied two counts of rape.

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