Royal Navy officer sacked for repeatedly flashing female colleagues onboard a warship in the Armed forces latest case of sexual misconduct
- Disgraced Daniel Ball, 32, exposed himself more than ten times to three women
- The father-of-two also posted a photo of his genitals in a WhatsApp group
- His victims were more junior personnel under his command on HMS Montrose
- Petty Officer Ball also tried to prevent one of the women from being promoted
A royal Navy officer has been sacked after repeatedly flashing female colleagues on board a warship.
In the Armed Forces’ latest case of sexual misconduct, Daniel Ball exposed himself more than ten times to two women over three months, a court martial heard.
His victims were more junior personnel under his command on HMS Montrose. In a shocking echo of recent Navy and RAF abuse cases, they said their complaints were ‘brushed under the carpet’ by commanders.
Petty Officer Ball also tried to prevent one of the women being promoted after she reported him, Bulford military court heard.
In the Armed Forces’ latest case of sexual misconduct, Daniel Ball exposed himself more than ten times to two women over three months, a court martial heard (Stock photo)
The 32-year-old commanded a radio communications cell known as the electronic warfare (EW) department. The EW team included junior female sailors, known as ‘rates’.
Prosecuting counsel Captain Daniel Lawlor told the court: ‘He [Ball] would target female rates, exposing his testicles in the operations room in excess of ten times.
‘The aggravating factors of this case are his rank and abuse of [a] position of authority.’
The father-of-two also posted a photo of his genitals in a WhatsApp group, accompanied by the message: ‘Just for you, girls.’
In victim statements, one of the women said: ‘I have lost all faith in command. There is no one to speak to. When we have, it has been brushed under the carpet.’
The 32-year-old commanded a radio communications cell known as the electronic warfare (EW) department
Ball pleaded guilty to two charges of disgraceful conduct and one of improper use of electronic communications. Judge Alistair McGrigor told him: ‘Such behaviour has no place in the Royal Navy today. It can’t be swept aside as misplaced banter. You and the Navy must part ways.’
Ball was also handed a three-year community service order, to include 37 sexual offender programme sessions and 150 hours’ unpaid work.
His case was heard after a Daily Mail exposé about sexual abuse allegations in the Royal Navy triggered an urgent investigation. The Mail has also revealed the mistreatment of female personnel in the Red Arrows, leading to the sacking of two pilots and four more being disciplined.
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