Major who hit man walks free as judge praises service record

♦ A former Sandhurst sergeant major has escaped punishment for his involvement in a fight at a social club after a judge praised his exemplary record of serving his country.

James Beattie, 53, a semi-retired-guardsman, was taken to court over a fracas at the Elm Tree Social Club, in Elm Tree, Stockton-on-tees, on Oct 29 last year.

He tried to stop a fight which involved his brother Ronnie and nephew Jack, Teesside Crown Court heard. Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said he became involved at the end of the incident, punching another man who went to the floor.

Beattie, from Stockton, admitted affray – using or threatening unlawful violence. He came to court with a sheaf of references from high-ranking officers from his 33-year military career.

“I’d go so far as to say I’ve never seen in my legal career references of this quality,” Judge Sean Morris told the court.

He added: “You are not just a man of hitherto good character. You are a man of impeccable character hitherto. Never have I seen in court a man who has served his country like this.”

Beattie joined the Army at 17 and worked his way through the ranks to Regimental Sergeant Major at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He became semi-retired at 49 at the rank of Major.

Judge Morris referred to Beattie’s career as a Guardsman, his Queen’s Volunteer Medal, his MBE, a letter from Buckingham Palace and references from officers at the ranks of Brigadier and Lieutenant Colonel.

He gave Beattie a one-year conditional discharge, adding: “That is not a criminal conviction.”