Lieutenant Commander Martyn Mayger has been jailed for four months after being convicted of sexually assaulting a junior officer. The incident occurred on May 10, 2025, after sailors had been drinking at a whisky distillery in the Shetland Islands.
Mayger, 40, who was in command of the HMS Tyne, a river-class offshore patrol ship, claimed he was teasing the younger sailor about his weight when he touched his backside and placed his hands on his hips. The victim subsequently filed a complaint.
Mayger was removed from his command within days of taking charge of the HMS Tyne and accused of two sexual assaults. A court martial trial at the Military Court Centre at Catterick Garrison found him guilty of one count of sexual assault. Sentencing took place on Thursday at the same court.
Judge Advocate Tom Mitchell described the case as exceptional and requiring immediate custody. "Over and above the fact that you were the captain of a ship, this happened on your first night out at the end of your first command," Mitchell stated, adding it was a "dereliction of your duty and the standards you were enforcing against others." He noted that while the ship was alongside and not on operational duties, the offense had an operational impact due to the immediate absence of the commanding officer. "Offending of this kind by the captain of a ship against a junior officer would be considered by many to be unthinkable, and yet here we are," Mitchell said.
Mayger's defense argued that while his actions were inappropriate for his position, they were not sexual in nature and constituted horseplay. He denied the act was sexual, though he admitted to touching the victim's bottom. The court heard that Mayger was drunk at the time and had been ashore with other sailors during what was described as a "lazy weekend" when the ship was not on active maneuvers. The group had visited pubs and a distillery before returning to the ship's wardroom.
Mayger's mitigation team stated that the conviction has had a devastating impact on him, as the Royal Navy has been the central focus of his life since he joined as a cadet at age 14. He was previously in charge of 100 deployed personnel and a £100 million budget, and advised ministers while leading the UK's sea support for Ukraine.
The HMS Tyne is one of the busiest vessels in the Royal Navy fleet, responsible for patrolling British waters and safeguarding the UK's interests. In January 2025, the ship was reported to be monitoring a Russian spy ship in the North Sea, and in July 2026, it shadowed a Russian frigate conducting a live fire exercise off Plymouth.
