Corporal Caitlyn Hawkins, a 26-year-old clarinetist in the British Army’s Corps of Army Music, received an 18-month suspended sentence on 28/7. She was also dismissed from the army on the same day after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting and behaving indecently with six colleagues. The Bulford Military Court also ordered her to perform 240 hours of community service and attend a 35-day rehabilitation program.
The prosecutor stated that all six victims were Hawkins’ colleagues in the Corps of Army Music.
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Corporal Caitlyn Hawkins. Photo: Telegraph |
Corporal Caitlyn Hawkins. Photo: Telegraph
The first incident occurred in May 2023 after Hawkins and three male colleagues returned from a London pub. She approached one of them, kissed him without his consent, and then indecently assaulted him for about two seconds. The soldier was "completely shocked" and reported that Hawkins repeatedly touched herself inappropriately on the journey back to the barracks. She also behaved similarly toward the other two soldiers, despite their attempts to push her away.
Another incident happened in June 2024 and involved two female colleagues. One recounted arriving at a pub to find Hawkins "quite drunk". After hugging her in greeting, Hawkins touched her buttocks and back, then asked, "Would your boyfriend be jealous if I kissed you right now?" The victim responded sharply, "Stop it, that's enough," after which Hawkins stopped and went to the restroom.
Hawkins' behavior continued that night at a different pub. The sixth victim, also a female soldier, reported being sexually assaulted by Hawkins four times between June and October 2023.
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The Corps of Army Music, part of the Coldstream Guards, at King Charles III's birthday parade following his cancer treatment in June 2024. Photo: Coldstream Guards |
The Corps of Army Music, part of the Coldstream Guards, at King Charles III's birthday parade following his cancer treatment in June 2024. Photo: Coldstream Guards
Hawkins pleaded guilty in court, apologized for her actions, and expressed remorse. She is currently undergoing mental health treatment and is committed to reducing her alcohol consumption. She claimed to have no memory of the nights in question due to alcohol, stating, "This started escalating after my father's death."
The judge noted that Hawkins' military record showed her to be an exemplary soldier with a promising future, which she had jeopardized through her disgraceful actions.
Hawkins was previously a member of the Coldstream Guards band, the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army, dating back to 1650. Recognizable by their iconic red coats and bearskin hats, the Coldstream Guards are responsible for protecting the Royal Family and are known for their ceremonial duties outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
In the UK, sexual assault is defined as intentionally touching another person, sexually, without their consent, even if the touching is through clothing, or forcing someone to touch you in a sexual way. Touching someone's clothing for sexual gratification, such as lifting someone's skirt, is also considered sexual assault. The maximum prison sentence for this crime is 10 years.
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