Colchester-based Parachute Regiment soldiers dismissed and disciplined

Disciplinary action has been taken against eight members of the Parachute Regiment, based at Merville Barracks, Colchester

Eight Colchester-based soldiers from the Parachute Regiment have been dismissed or disciplined this year for offences ranging from sexual assault to affray, records show.

The soldiers, from 2 and 3 Para, range in rank from private to captain.

The offences are detailed in court martial results from the military court centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The Army said those found to have committed an offence were dealt with through the disciplinary process.

A corporal from 3 Para was dismissed and given a three-year service community order in March for sexual assault and using threatening behaviour.

A lance corporal from 2 Para was given 24 months' detention and a reduction in rank to private in April for unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The highest-ranking officer convicted was a captain in 2 Para fined £624.72 in January for negligently performing a duty.

A lance corporal from 2 Para was given 120 days' detention in April for causing affray.

'Very high standards'

A second lance corporal from 2 Para was given 24 months' detention and a reduction in rank to private in April for unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm.

A private in 3 Para was fined £920 for unfitness or misconduct through alcohol or drugs.

Two more privates from 2 Para were sentenced to eight months' detention in June for affray.

The same month a third private from 2 Para was detained for 14 months for affray.

A British Army spokesman said: "We expect very high standards of behaviour of our personnel, whether they are on or off duty.

"All those who are found to have committed an offence, including a criminal offence under the Armed Forces Act 2006, are dealt with through the disciplinary process.

"Those who have otherwise fallen short of the Army's high standards are dealt with administratively and may face sanctions including dismissal."