Shropshire army base sex assault case: Court hears of concern for cadet
An army cadet was concerned about the welfare of a fellow cadet who was allegedly ‘inappropriately touched’ during a training exercise in Shropshire, a court has heard.
William Christopher Farrell, an army cadet sergeant, was 59 when it is alleged he indecently assaulted a female cadet four times at Nesscliffe Training Camp in May 2016.
He denies the charges, and a trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday heard from a fellow cadet who witnessed what he called ‘inappropriate behaviour.’
The cadet arrived at the event in Nesscliffe, and described Farrell being ‘over friendly’ to the female cadets as they arrived, more than he was to the male cadets.
He told the court how Farrell, of Church Green, Cockshutt, would hug the girls on arrival and give them a kiss.
He also said on the second day of being at the camp, one of the groups was taken to do camouflage training, where cadets had to cover themselves in leaves and twigs, so they would not be seen by the enemy.
See also:
Cadets were then put into a formation lying on the ground. According to the witness, he looked to his right and saw Farrell lean down and pat the bottom of a female cadet to get mud off her. He told the court it lasted for five seconds, and said he was scared for his female cadet and thought the behaviour was inappropriate.
Brendan Reedy, defending, questioned the witness and suggested the event never happened, and suggested Farrell had brushed something off the cadet’s clothing later in the exercise, but the witness insisted that was not the case.
Sergeant Matthew Wealdon also told the court he was looking at his notes when the exercise was taking place, and looked up to see Farrell patting the lower back and bottom of a female cadet.
The court previously heard Farrell is alleged to have kissed a girl on the lips, and is also alleged to have touched a girl despite her asking him to stop.
Farrell denies all charges and the trial continues.
