00:00Corporal Curtis Davidson has been found guilty on both charges brought against him in a TNT Defense Force court-martial,
00:07which commenced on Monday, August 24th.
00:10As the court-martial continued on Wednesday before Judge Advocate Captain Navel Zinmark King, the proceedings were held behind closed
00:17doors.
00:18This was pursuant to a gag order issued by King, reportedly to protect the identities of both the female private
00:24involved and Davidson, while the matter was before the court for just over a week.
00:30President of the court, Squadron Leader Kay Ram Singh, along with two other members, heard closing statements from Captain S.
00:37Sudin Singh, who appeared for the prosecution, and Attorney Atlaw Kirk Cumberbatch for the defense.
00:42TV6 News understands that after the judge advocate summed up the evidence and gave his directions, the members retired to
00:49consider a verdict.
00:50The court found Davidson guilty of conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, contrary to Section 77
00:59of the Defense Act, and ill-treatment of a subordinate, contrary to Section 73 of the said Act, after he
01:06was found to have hugged and then physically assaulted a female private at the Defense Force Reserve headquarters on September
01:136th, 2023.
01:15In sentencing, the court reduced Davidson's rank from Corporal in the Volunteer Defense Force to private in accordance with Section
01:258A1 of the Defense Act.
01:27The maximum custodial sentence of two years was not imposed.
01:31We're told that the court took into account Davidson's service record, which was submitted into evidence by his company commander,
01:39Major Don Hackshaw.
01:40This was done alongside a plea in mitigation from the defense.
01:44Captain Branson and Francois also appeared for the prosecution.
01:48The court-martial was convened by Chief of Defense Staff Commodore Don Polo.
01:52It was nearing the three-year statute of limitations and came following the threat of a lawsuit by the victim
01:59against the defense force.
02:01Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
