A court martial has heard allegations that Bombardier Michael Murley pinned down and raped a woman on the morning of her birthday, after she told him she did not consent.
Prosecutor Graham Coombes told Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire that the woman repeatedly told Murley, identified as a corporal in the Royal Artillery, that she did not want to have sex with him. The court heard that Murley allegedly responded, "I would have finished by now if you just let me do it."
The woman, who is also a bombardier, had been celebrating her birthday with two others in 2024. She and Murley had consensual sex the evening before the alleged assault. The following morning, after she returned from a weigh-in for a tug of war competition, Murley attempted to have sex with her. She reportedly tried to wriggle away and push him off, stating she did not have time. Coombes alleged that Murley then pushed her down on the bed and pushed her head down.
According to Coombes, the woman was left in shock, staring at the curtains, and was unable to push Murley off her. After the alleged assault, Murley reportedly left without acknowledging the incident and stated he was going on another date that evening.
Later that day, the woman confided in colleagues about the incident and was referred to a sexual assault referral centre, where she provided a statement. In a police interview, Murley denied that any sexual activity took place that morning, and he subsequently denied raping the woman.
Bombardier Michael Murley faces one count of rape. The trial is ongoing.