A Colchester-based soldier has been charged with raping a six-year-old girl in Austria while on a training exercise.
The soldier, understood to be a member of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, was arrested in the town of Tyrol in November.
He has now been charged with allegedly breaking into the child’s home and committing the sex offence.
The regiment had been on a winter training exercise at the time of the alleged offence.
He is due to appear in court on March 10.
An Army spokesman said: “The Army is aware that a soldier has been charged in Austria following allegations of child sexual offences.
“This matter is now subject to criminal proceedings led by the Austrian authorities and it is therefore inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here