Marine ‘broke soldier’s jaw’ after bar room banter fell flat

A ROYAL Marine at a security base knocked out a soldier who joked about his inability to grow a beard, a court martial heard.

The commando was allegedly left apoplectic after “banter” between groups of servicemen who were watching an England match on TV during the European Championships in 2021.

Marine S, who has been granted anonymity owing to his security classification, descended into a “red mist”, punching one sergeant with full force in the face, the court heard.

The punch broke Sergeant Steven Martin’s jaw, the court was told.

The fracas took place at the Ministry of Defence Chicksands, Beds, home to the Joint Intelligence Training Group (JITG) and the Headquarters of the British Army’s Intelligence Corps.

‘There was banter between the two groups which struck the wrong note and bad blood was left behind’

The court heard Marine S, and the group with him at the bar, took objection to “banter” about receding hairlines and their apparent inability to grow beards.

He denies two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, saying he acted in self-defence after being attacked.

Opening the case at Bulford Military Court, Wilts, prosecutor Major James Eveleigh told the court the incident happened on the evening of the semifinal match between England and Denmark. He said: “On the 7th July 2021, the complainant and defendant found themselves in a Warrant Officer and Sergeants’ mess at the Ministry of Defence Chicksands.

“Both parties were there to watch the Euro semi-final between England and Denmark.”

Maj Eveleigh said that during the course of the evening there was “banter” between Marine S’s unit and another serviceman, RAF Flight Sergeant Alan Fenney, which “struck the wrong note” and “bad blood” was left behind.

Attempts to get an apology were unsuccessful and a scuffle “erupted”, the court heard, and Sergeant Steven Martin tried to intervene.

The trial continues.