A Cambridge-educated British Army Officer Cadet 'forcefully' sexually assaulted two female trainees on a Sandhurst training course, a court martial heard. Officer Cadet Max Gibbins was accused of 'driving a coach and horses' through the bonds of camaraderie formed at the prestigious military academy with his abuse of the recruits while sharing a bed with them. The group of trainees were away from Sandhurst on 'adventurous training' in the Lake District when he molested them in an Airbnb bed they were sharing, a military court was told.
The 26 year old groped one female cadet as she slept - then when she leapt out of bed horrified and fled, he 'violated' the other. As a result of his behaviour, he left the world-famous academy - attended by both Princes William and Harry - a week before he was due to graduate as an officer.
At Bulford Military Court, Wilts, OCdt Gibbins - who was supported by his girlfriend and parents - escaped jail and was handed a suspended sentence. Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England told him: "Time at Sandhurst is intended to develop people as a person and as leaders. Much stock is put in the comradeship formed. Lifelong friendships can and do develop. Your actions that night drove a coach and horses through those bonds of friendship.
