In July 2021, a night out at a bar turned violent when four Royal Marines from 377 Troop assaulted recruit Anton Mills, fractuing his left cheekbone in three places. After pleading guilty , each Marine was sentenced by a military court to eight months of service detention for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Eight‑Month Detention Handed to Four Marines

Bradley‑Moor, Joash, Johnson and O'Callaghan each received an eight‑month term of service detention, the maximum penalty for the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm under the Armed Forces Act. The sentencing reflects the court’s view that the injuries were serious but fell short of more severe charges such as grievous bodily harm.

July 2021 Bar Fight Leaves Recruit with Triple Cheekbone Fracture

The incident occurred at a local bar where Mills was reportedly pestering a woman, prompting the four Marines to intervene.. According to the court record, the Marines repeatedly punched, kicked and stomped Mills, resulting in a fracture that required medical attention and a three‑week recovery period.

377 Troop Marines Plead Guilty in Military Court

All four defendants entered guilty pleas to the single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. As reported by the military court,the plea agreements streamlined the proceedings, avoiding a full trial and allowing the judge to focus on sentencing considerattions such as prior service records and the impact on unit cohesion.

Legal Framework: Military Detention vs. Civil Prison

Service detetnion is a form of military punishment that confines the offender to barracks and imposes strict discipline, differing from civilian incarceration. The court emphasized that the penalty serves both punitive and corrective purposes, aiming to reinforce standards of conduct within the Royal Marines.

Who Ordered the Assault?

The source does not identify any commanding officer or senior NCO who may have directed or condoned the attack, leaving a gap in the accountability chain. additionally, it is unclear whether any formal investigation into the unit’s culture or leadership practices will follow the sentencing.