British Army's First Female Master Tailor Faces Court Martial Over Alleged Indecent Conduct

Warrant Officer Emma Colton, the British Army's first female Master Tailor, is facing a court martial on charges of disgraceful conduct of an indecent kind. The 39-year-old soldier denies two counts of the alleged misconduct, which reportedly occurred while she was stationed on the Falkland Islands.

According to evidence presented at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, Colton is accused of repeatedly pinching a subordinate sergeant's bottom and following him around the Army base. A witness claims to have seen Colton pinching the sergeant's bottom while they were walking outside. In a separate alleged incident, the sergeant stated that Colton put her finger into his posterior while he was exercising in the gym, then giggled and told him he should have moved faster.

The subordinate sergeant testified that Colton also bought him gifts, including Lindt chocolates, strawberries, and a scented candle, which he found inappropriate and "a bit weird." He stated that he felt "potentially violated a little bit" by her actions but not raped, and expressed a desire not to ruin her career.

Colton, who made history by becoming a Master Tailor in the Royal Horse Artillery, became responsible for upholding dress standards in the ceremonial unit. She later moved to the 47 Regiment of the Royal Artillery and was deployed to the Falklands, where the alleged incidents took place. The sergeant, who was part of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, described Colton as his superior.

In her defense, Colton stated that she and the sergeant initially got along well, but his attitude became abrasive after a promotion. She claims to have had a conversation with him about changing his demeanor. Colton also asserted that she is not attracted to the sergeant and has been in a long-term relationship with her partner for ten years, with plans for IVF. She said the only physical contact they made was when he spotted her at the gym. Colton described the allegations as "shocking" and felt they were made "viciously."

The sergeant reported the incidents months later to his commanding officer in February 2025, and Colton was interviewed under caution in June 2025. The trial is ongoing.