A Major General who served as a pallbearer at Prince Philip’s funeral has been expelled from the Army following an incident where he attempted to kiss a female colleague while intoxicated.
James Roddis, a married father of three, was found guilty of “inappropriately” fondling the hair of a female RAF officer and kissing her without consent. On Wednesday, he admitted to disgraceful conduct of an indecent nature and was dismissed from the Armed Forces.
A court-martial sentenced Roddis to a six-month prison term, suspended for two years. He must also complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, perform 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay the victim £2,500.
Major General James Roddis, who carried Prince Philip’s coffin and was tipped as future head of the Army, admits disgraceful indecent conduct for playing with woman’s hair then kissing her on the lips without her consent https://t.co/8oPNaJK1L6 Roddis’ plea of not guilty to…
— Aspals Legal (@AspalsLegal) July 17, 2024
Judge Advocate General Alan Large reprimanded him, stating: “The kiss and touching were clearly indecent acts and your behaviour was persistent to a degree.”
He further criticised Roddis, saying, “This was an escalating course of indecent conduct, and when you grabbed her face and kissed her, your intention was clear.”
This incident has ended Roddis’s distinguished military career. His accolades include the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), two Queen’s commendations, and a Mention in Dispatches for his service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The incident occurred while Roddis and his colleagues were off duty, socialising in Japan. Prosecutor Graham Coombes described how Roddis, after consuming “a substantial quantity of alcohol,” committed the act during a karaoke bar outing.
James Roddis was tipped to become the head of the army.
But his career came to an end when he was charged with sexual assault, making him one of the most senior army officers to be court-martialled in the past 200 years https://t.co/g8M2AQxI1p
— The Times and The Sunday Times (@thetimes) September 5, 2024
Coombes recounted, “By the time the group reached the karaoke bar, the complainant was drunk, and it was evident that Roddis was also intoxicated.”
He continued, “He began to inappropriately touch her hair, play with her ponytail, and put his arm around her.”
“She asked him to stop and raised her finger to indicate her disapproval. Despite her efforts, he continued to touch her hair, eventually pulling out her hair tie, causing her hair to fall. He commented that ‘her hair looks better down,’ which clearly displeased her.”
The prosecutor added, “Shortly after, she left the bar with another member of the group.”
“She felt angry and upset about the incident. The victim was attending the social event as part of her duties, and Roddis was in a position of responsibility and trust. The offences occurred in public.”
In a statement, the complainant expressed feeling “powerless” and “vulnerable” that night. Jane Bickerstaff KC, defending, mentioned that Roddis has been diagnosed with alcohol dependency.
She stated, “He has undergone a formal disciplinary process, and his commission has been revoked. He can no longer refer to himself as a Major General in the Army.”
“This conduct, which took place over a few minutes, has resulted in the loss of a 30-year career filled with numerous citations. He has lost not only his career but also the future prospects of that career, and he acknowledges that he has only himself to blame. It is a bitter pill to swallow.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports that British Army Major General James Roddis was dismissed for unwanted advances in a karaoke bar, leading to a six-month suspended prison term and community service. (read more)
- The Mirror offers a comprehensive overview of Prince Philip’s life, covering his childhood, military service, and extensive charitable work, highlighting his impact on the royal family and the nation. (read more)
- The Express reports that Major General James Roddis, a married father of three, has been formally dismissed from the Army after admitting to inappropriately touching and kissing a female RAF officer during a drunken night out in Japan, resulting in a six-month suspended sentence. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Major General James Roddis?
He was dismissed from the Army following an incident where he inappropriately kissed a female colleague.
What were the consequences for James Roddis after the incident?
He received a suspended six-month prison term, 30 days of rehabilitation, 150 hours of unpaid work, and must pay £2,500 compensation.
Where did the incident involving James Roddis take place?
The incident occurred in Japan while he and his servicemen were off duty socializing at a karaoke bar.
What notable military honors did James Roddis have before his dismissal?
He had the Distinguished Service Order, two Queen’s commendations, and a Mention in Dispatches.
What did the victim say about the incident with James Roddis?
The victim felt powerless and vulnerable after the incident.
