Soldier to stand trial after holding ex-comrade ‘at knife-point over affair with his ex-wife’
Dad-of-two will appear before a jury next month
A SOLDIER accused of kidnapping an ex-comrade and holding him at knife-point after they became embroiled in a love triangle is to stand trial next month.
Private John Watson is accused of grabbing old pal Trooper James Dicks, who is thought to be in a relationship with his ex-wife, at Army accommodation near Windsor Castle on May 4.
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.
Dad-of-two 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 28-year-old 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.
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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 dads to two children each.
Watson, of Pirbright Camp, Woking, appeared at Reading Crown Court this morning 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 denies all the charges.
Watson, who was unable to appear today via video link due to technical issues at Reading CRown Court, will appear before a jury on October 10 when his trial will begin.
An Army spokesman said at the time Watson was charged: “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.”
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