Army officer told colleague: ‘Stop acting like rape victim’

THE Army’s Officer Commanding of the Cyprus Joint Police unit told a junior colleague to stop acting “like a rape victim” after they refused a drink.

Major Simon Mcmahon, 36, who was described as a “brilliant” officer being fast-tracked for a promotion to colonel, used the term while drunk at an event in the sergeant’s mess at Episkopi barracks.

The military court in Catterick heard that Major Mcmahon also had a heated discussion with the unit’s regimental sergeant major earlier that night.

Wing Commander Daniella Biedla, prosecuting, said the major berated the junior officer in front of several junior NCOS, before grabbing her arm and pulling her back as she tried to leave.

Major Mcmahon is said to have then attempted to coerce the NCOS into continuing drinking in the mess, telling one male colleague who refused to stop acting “like a rape victim”.

Wing Commander Biedla said: “During the evening Major Mcmahon told a colleague to stop being a pussy because he did not want to continue drinking and then added: don’t be a rape victim.”

The female colleague was spoken to about Major Mcmahon’s conduct towards her and chose not to pursue a complaint against him, but several witnesses gave accounts of his behaviour to police on the base.

Bob Scott, representing Major Mcmahon, told the court: “He’s mortified, he is embarrassed to the hilt. Thank goodness it only took place in the mess.”

He said the court martial panel had considered dismissing Major Mcmahon, who admitted misconduct through alcohol. Instead he was sentenced to the loss of two years’ seniority, which means a drop in wages, loss of pension and stalls his chances of promotion.”