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Four Royal Navy Sailors Charged Over 'Sex Attack'

Four Royal Navy Sailors Charged Over 'Sex Attack'

Four British sailors have been charged with an alleged sex attack on a civilian woman in Canada, military police have said.

Craig Stoner, 24, Darren Smalley, 35, Joshua Finbow, 23, and Simon Radford, 31, are each accused of one count of sexual assault, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) said.

A spokesman for the CFNIS, an arm of the Canadian military police, said: "This is a disturbing accusation of sexual assault.

"I'm pleased with the full co-operation provided by the British authorities to support the hard work and diligence of the CFNIS team in responding to this matter."

The assault allegedly took place last week at a drinking party at the Shearwater military barracks in Halifax, which is home to Canada's Atlantic Fleet.

The Associated Press described the alleged incident as a "group sexual assault".

The local daily Chronicle Herald reported the four British servicemen were visiting Halifax to participate in an armed forces hockey tournament.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: "The Royal Navy takes allegations of this nature very seriously, however as legal proceedings continue it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The MoD confirmed the four Royal Navy members have appeared in court charged with sexual assault.

They said they will provide all appropriate assistance to the Canadian authorities.