Soldiers accused of assaulting colleague at MOD Lyneham
- Lance Corporal Matthew Platt is accused of rape, while Lance Corporal Ryan Hamlet faces charges of attempted rape of a female colleague at MOD Lyneham.
- The alleged victim reported the incident four years later, fearing the Army would not take her complaint seriously, and faced ridicule from colleagues after returning to work.
- The case underscores serious concerns about the treatment of sexual assault victims within the military and the need for accountability.
A court martial has been convened to address serious allegations against Lance Corporal Matthew Platt and Lance Corporal Ryan Hamlet, who are accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague at MOD Lyneham after a party. The incident reportedly occurred when the woman, heavily intoxicated, woke to find Platt raping her while Hamlet attempted to do the same. The court heard that prior to the assault, the two soldiers shared messages and images in a WhatsApp group, including a photo of the woman, indicating a troubling premeditation. The alleged victim took four years to report the incident, fearing that her complaint would not be taken seriously by the Army. After finally coming forward in January 2022, she faced ridicule and comments from colleagues, who suggested she had engaged in a consensual encounter with the two men. This environment of dismissal and mockery contributed to her prolonged silence regarding the assault. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that after the alleged assault, Hamlet urged Platt to delete all messages related to the incident, raising concerns about potential evidence tampering. The woman described her state during the assault as being so intoxicated that she felt like a 'rag doll,' unable to resist or defend herself. The case highlights significant issues within the military regarding the treatment of sexual assault victims and the culture that may perpetuate such behavior. The outcome of the court martial will be crucial in addressing these allegations and determining accountability for the actions of the accused soldiers.