Two Army cadets cleared of waterboarding a colleague at Sandhurst Military Academy
TWO Army cadets have been cleared of waterboarding a colleague at Sandhurst.
Jonathan Cox, 25, and Edward Wright, 24, both denied assaulting Edward Flower, 20, at the academy in Berkshire.
In police interviews, they insisted Mr Flower, a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, consented and was “amused” by their antics.
Judge Advocate Alan Large said a matter, which cannot be reported for legal reasons, had arisen requiring “investigation and consideration”.
Hours later, prosecutor Colonel Richard Allen told the court that discussions had taken place with Mr Flower.
"As a result of those discussions, the Crown no longer intends to proceed with the case," Colonel Allen said.
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Mr Flower, giving evidence on Monday, said he had been confronted by Mr Cox and Mr Wright near his room just after 6pm on August 7.
This took place as the platoon returned from a meeting with their colour sergeant, called after Mr Flower said Mr Wright had been "making degrading statements about him".
He claimed Mr Cox grabbed him by his ankles and twice lifted him off the floor, before Mr Wright picked up a field dressing and said "Let's waterboard him".
He confirmed that the Crown would be offering no evidence against both Mr Cox and Mr Wright.
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