Marine recruits `assaulted'

A ROYAL MARINE yesterday described a string of assaults allegedly carried out on recruits during a training course.

Marine Kyle Mace told a court martial hearing how he witnessed one recruit being punched in the chest when he had difficulty fitting a light bulb and another being punched when he fell asleep during a lecture.

He also claimed he was kicked in the ribs as he carried out punishment press-ups at the Marine's Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon.

Two non-commissioned officers - Sergeant David Foggin and Corporal Steve Amphlett - deny ill-treating the recruits during the 30-week Royal Marine training course, considered one of the toughest military training regimes in the world.

A third man, Lieutenant Michael Geldard, denies a charge of failing to report the recruits' complaints.

Marine Mace also told the hearing how he was kicked in the ribs by Cpl Amphlett after being ordered to perform punishment press-ups.

Sgt Foggin denies four charges of ill-treating recruits and four alternatives of battery. Cpl Amphlett denies one charge of ill-treating recruits and an alternative charge of battery while Lt Geldard denies a charge of conduct to the prejudice of good order or military discipline.

The case continues.