Trooper in sex attack on guard admits use of ecstasy
THE Army is investigating claims that soldiers from Princes William and Harry’s former regiment – including a female trooper previously disciplined over claims she sexually assaulted a male colleague – took hallucinogenic Class A drugs.
The squaddies, from the Household Cavalry based near Windsor Castle, are being probed by Royal Military Police officers and undergoing compulsory drugs tests which could lead to their dismissal.
The Mail on Sunday has been told how Trooper Corrie-Alice Holmes has apparently admitted taking ecstasy, also known as MDMA, while male troops under investigation deny drug-taking.
Earlier this year Tpr Holmes, 25, was warned about her conduct after allegations surfaced that she allegedly ‘molested’ a male colleague on returning to the barracks after drinking heavily in nearby bars. She was said to have forced herself against the younger soldier, tried to kiss him and rubbed her body against his, before being pulled off by a furious officer who had responded to cries for help.
The following day, Tpr Holmes was hauled before senior officers, who formally warned her that any further misconduct could result in her immediate dismissal.
This aggrieved male soldiers in her unit who said that, had they assaulted a female colleague, they would have been kicked out straight away.
The Mail on Sunday has reported cases of male troops being sent to military prison and dismissed from service at the end of their sentences for similar behaviour.
Last night, defence sources suggested that male Household Cavalry troops were leaking information about Tpr Holmes to the media because they bear a grudge against her.
One source said: ‘She has been a highly professional soldier since [her warning] and some people have it in for her. There could be a witch-hunt going on.’
An Army spokesperson said: ‘We have a zero-tolerance drugs policy. Any personnel caught taking drugs will be discharged.’