A member of the Bermuda Regiment's A Company is in military jail after he robbed his fellow soldiers while at overseas camp in North Carolina.

The Regiment's Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge, yesterday confirmed minor disciplinary action was required during A Company's visit to Camp Lejeune.

He declined to give details of the disciplinary action. But it is understood that the soldier was locked up in jail in North Carolina for 28 days and upon returning to the Island will be locked up for the same length of time at Warwick Camp.

The "heavy hand of the military law'' was brought down on the soldier, said Regiment public relations officer Lt. Stephen Caton.

"It is understood the soldier in question stole money from fellow soldiers and then went on a spending spree,'' he continued.

It is also understood the soldier used the money to purchase an air gun which, he intended to bring back to the Island.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge blasted the behaviour as being "disgraceful and cowardly'' because the soldiers who fell victim to the theft were working hard in the field when their money was taken.

Meanwhile B Company is at Camp Lejeune completing the second rotation of Exercise Bermuda Storm which, barring the stealing incident, has been successful though very wet.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge noted: "B Company has continued the high standard established by A Company and while the weather has deteriorated, I look forward to the Company test exercise.'' B Company has been training in preparation for the four-day exercise since they arrived at the US Marine Corps base last Saturday.

The exercise, which involves amphibious landing craft and helicopters, will be witnessed by Governor Thorold Masefield and a contingent of British Defence staff who are stationed in Washington D.C.

B Company will return to Bermuda on May 8.

CRIME CRM