US Marine Hadnott Charged, Discharged from Military
A military court in the US has jailed US Marine Staff Sergeant Tyrone Hadnott for three years, on the basis of him having sexually abused a 14-year-old girl on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Three months ago, Hadnott pleaded guilty to having assaulted the girl in question, but, said military officials, was cleared of having raped her.
"I touched her in a sexual manner over clothing”, Hadnott said.
“[There is] no excuse for my action and no way to express how sorry I am.”
Tensions over US Military in Japan
The alleged rape case provoked a storm of anger in Japan, fuelling tensions over the presence of US military personnel there. For some, it was reminiscent of an instance in 1995 when a number of US troops simultaneously raped a 12-year-old girl.
Okinawa Curfew
In light of Hadnott’s actions, the US military placed a temporary curfew on all members of its armed forces stationed on Okinawa, together with their families. This lasted for almost a fortnight.
Hadnott was not prosecuted in Japan, since the girl in question did not, ultimately, file charges.
Dishonourable Discharge
Back in the US, however, he was charged with numerous offences, and has now also been dishonourably discharged from active service.
"[Hadnott] offended the entire country", said the prosecutor, adding: "Marines are here to protect people in Japan, not to molest their children."
First Lieutenant Judd Wilson, spokesman for the US Marines, stated that the US military "does not tolerate sexual assault and has a comprehensive policy that reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of others."
Around 40,000 US military personnel are stationed in Japan - half of them based in Okinawa.
Source – Armed Forces International’s US Correspondent
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