British Army Captain Fined for Punching Junior Soldier During Party

A decorated British Army officer has been fined after punching a junior soldier multiple times in the face during an "all-ranks" Christmas party. Captain Lee Bush, 43, struck Warrant Officer Class One Andrew Ridsdale three times in quick succession while they were engaged in what appeared to be joking.

The incident occurred in November 2025 at an accommodation block at the Army Reserve Centre in Keynsham, Somerset, following a festive event. According to court martial proceedings, Bush joked, "I'll knock you out," to which Warrant Officer Ridsdale responded with "yeah right." Bush then delivered three blows to his subordinate's jaw and chin.

Witnesses initially perceived the exchange as banter due to the tone used by both individuals. However, the attack left Warrant Officer Ridsdale with severe headaches that prevented him from working for two weeks. He reported experiencing pain in his jaw and sought medical attention.

Captain Bush, who has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Estonia, admitted to one count of battery at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire. He was fined £2,900 and ordered to pay £800 in compensation. Assistant Judge Advocate General John Atwill noted that the attack was "entirely one-sided" and escalated from banter into violence, with the offense aggravated by the victim's junior rank and Bush's alcohol consumption at the time.

Mitigating, Matthew Bolt stated that Captain Bush was "mortified" by the incident and expressed deep regret, noting it had cost him eligibility for promotion to Major. Bush had joined the army in 2000 and had previously served as a vehicle mechanic and in counter-IED measures. The fine must be paid within 28 days, or it could lead to a three-month prison sentence.