Army Instructors Imprisoned for Sexual Relations with 17-Year-Old Recruit
Two Army instructors have been sentenced to prison and dismissed from military service after forming separate sexual relationships with a 17-year-old recruit at an infantry training centre. The court martial heard disturbing details of their conduct and the significant power imbalance they exploited.
Details of the Case and Convictions
Lance Sergeant Antony Pugh, aged 36 and a member of the Grenadier Guards, and Sergeant Connor Forgan, aged 32 who served with the Welsh Guards, were both convicted following a trial last year. They had denied a charge of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust, but a court martial board found them guilty.
The offences occurred while both men were instructors at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Catterick, North Yorkshire. The court heard they boasted to each other about their sexual encounters with the teenage trainee, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons.
Military Background and Abuse of Position
Both defendants were veterans of the conflict in Afghanistan, bringing extensive military experience to their instructional roles. Commander Edward Hannah, prosecuting, emphasised the hierarchical structure of military training facilities, where rank confers significant power over recruits.
"The hierarchal structure of the military places power with rank, especially in a training facility," Cmdr Hannah told the court. "Instructors are looked upon as role models, mentors and their importance is very often elevated in the mind as well."
Disturbing Details and Impact on Victim
The court heard particularly distressing details about the aftermath of the sexual encounters. After having sex with Pugh, the young recruit required STD and pregnancy testing, and also suffered an internal injury during the encounter.
Both instructors exchanged lewd messages about the teenager after sleeping with her. Cmdr Hannah described these communications as "degrading and demeaning," noting they referred to her in what the judge later called a "disgraceful, indecent and misogynistic manner."
Sentencing and Judicial Comments
Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England delivered a powerful sentencing statement, highlighting the particular vulnerability of recruits in military training environments. "In an instructional environment such as this, instructors set the tone for the rest of the recruit's career," she said.
The judge emphasised that instructors in military settings often hold extraordinary influence over recruits, sometimes being referred to as "God" in the minds of trainees - not in a religious sense, but as embodiments of military excellence and authority.
"For these reasons, we do consider that the abuse of trust is greater in our forces than it is in many other situations," Judge England stated. "Both in your own way preyed upon a vulnerable young recruit, a child."
Defence Arguments and Final Sentences
Defence counsel presented arguments for leniency, with Rachel Beckett representing Pugh requesting a suspended sentence based on his family circumstances and prospects for rehabilitation. Beverley Cripps, defending Forgan, acknowledged his "disgraceful and crass" messages but highlighted his previously impressive service record.
Despite these submissions, both men received immediate custodial sentences. Pugh was jailed for 20 months, while Forgan received a 16-month sentence. Additionally, both were reduced to the ranks and dismissed from the Army, with their service accommodation consequently forfeited.
As part of their sentences, both former instructors were placed on the sex offenders register for ten years. The court martial took place in Bulford, Wiltshire, with the victim choosing not to provide a personal statement as she wishes to move on from these matters.
