Men thrown out of Royal Marines over indecent acts

THREE Royal Marines have been thrown out of the military after taking part in a depraved initiation ceremony in a nightclub.

The men – along with a customer who joined in – could face jail after they admitted charges of public indecency.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard that the Marines – Luke Bowen, Jordan Coia and Ben James – took part in the incident in the smoking area at DeVitos nightclub in Arbroath, Angus.

James, 22, of Thirsk, Yorkshire; Bowen, 25, of Chichester; and Coia, 22, whose addresses were given as c/o RM Condor, near Arbroath, pleaded guilty to a charge of public indecency.

Craig Lynch, 42, of Aberdeen, who is not in the military, admitted the same charge.

Solicitor Nick Whelan, defending Coia, said: ‘What he thought would be a lifetime relationship with the military has come to an end after two-and-a-half years of service.’

Nick Markowski, for James, said: ‘He was also discharged.’

Lynne Sturrock, for Bowen, added: ‘He’s been discharged and now lives with his parents.’

Sheriff John Rafferty deferred sentence for reports and released the men on bail.