On August 3, 2017, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service charged a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces with five counts under the National Defence Act.
The charges relate to incidents involving another member of the Canadian Armed Forces reported to have taken place while the accused was posted to Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Toronto between January 2010 and September 2011.
Master Warrant Officer (retired) Andrew Durnford, of Halifax, faces the following charges:
· two counts of sexual assault under section 271 of the Criminal Code, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act;
· one count of assault under section 266 of the Criminal Code, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act;
· one count of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, punishable under section 129 of the National Defence Act; and
· one count of ill-treated a person who by reason of rank was subordinate to him, punishable under section 95 of the National Defence Act.
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“These charges reflect the ongoing commitment of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service to support and protect victims by thoroughly investigating all allegations of sexual assault and bringing those responsible to justice, even after those individuals leave the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Bolduc, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service
Quick Facts
· The matter is now proceeding in the military justice system for possible court martial at a date and location yet to be determined.
· Regular Force members of the Canadian Armed Forces are subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CSD) at all times. Military courts continue to have jurisdiction over retired members, where the member was subject to the CSD at the time of the alleged offence.
· The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is a unit within the independent Canadian Forces Military Police Group whose mandate is to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to Department of National Defence property, Department of National Defence employees and Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving in Canada and around the world.
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Source: Media Release