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Army's first female Master Tailor acquitted of pinching subordinate's bum
Warrant Officer Emma Colton, the UK's first female Master Tailor, was acquitted of repeatedly pinching a subordinate's bum in court martial.
In brief
Warrant Officer Emma Colton, the UK's first female Master Tailor, was acquitted of repeatedly pinching a subordinate's bum in court martial. Warrant Officer Emma Colton, the British Army's first female Master Tailor, was acquitted of two counts of indecent conduct after allegedly pinching a subordinate's bottom and…
Acquittal for indecent conduct
Warrant Officer Emma Colton, 39, the British Army's first female Master Tailor, was acquitted of two counts of indecent conduct at Bulford Military Court.
Alleged misconduct at Falklands base
WO Colton was accused of pinching a male sergeant's bottom while he exercised at RAF Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands.
Subordinate's account of incidents
The sergeant described how WO Colton 'grabbed his a*** a few times', 'pinched his a***', and bought him Lindt chocolates and a scented candle.
Sergeant's emotional impact
The sergeant felt 'potentially violated a little bit but not raped' after the incidents, saying he had to 'pull his boxers out afterwards'.
WO Colton's defense
WO Colton claimed the sergeant was 'forward-leaning' and 'abrasive' after being promoted, saying she had bought him gifts for his birthday.
Reporting timeline
The sergeant reported the incidents to his commanding officer in February 2025 after months of silence following the alleged misconduct.
Court martial outcome
WO Colton was acquitted of two counts of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind after a short trial at Bulford Military Court.
Relationship dynamics
The sergeant said WO Colton 'tried to laugh it off' after confronting her about the incidents, leading to a strained relationship.
WO Colton's personal life
WO Colton is in a ten-year relationship with a partner and has plans to undergo IVF, stating she 'absolutely doesn't find him attractive'.
Military role
WO Colton is a fully trained frontline soldier who specializes in military tailoring for the Royal Horse Artillery.
Deployment history
WO Colton moved from the Royal Horse Artillery to the 47 Regiment of the Royal Artillery and was deployed to RAF Mount Pleasant on the Falklands.
Sergeant's perspective
The sergeant felt the incidents were 'inappropriate' but not 'rape', saying he 'didn't feel raped' despite the physical contact.
Legal context
The court martial took place at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, where WO Colton was accused of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind.
Military unit
WO Colton serves in the Royal Artillery, responsible for dress standards in the prestigious ceremonial unit.
Alleged physical contact
WO Colton allegedly 'stuck her finger in his bum' while the sergeant was on the cable machine at the gym.
Acquittal details
WO Colton was acquitted of two counts of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind after a short trial at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire.
What matters most
Warrant Officer Emma Colton, the British Army's first female Master Tailor, was acquitted of two counts of indecent conduct after allegedly pinching a subordinate's bottom and flirting with him.
