ADVERTISEMENTBritish Army instructors have been charged with assaulting teenage recruits at a camp in Scotland, in what has been described as the biggest-ever abuse investigation to engulf the forces.
They face 40 charges of battery, ill-treatment and actual bodily harm. All deny any wrongdoing.
The abuse is said to have taken place at a battle camp near the town of Kircudbright. The six alleged victims, who were 17 at the time, claim they were punched and kicked, had their heads pushed under water and animal dung smeared over their faces and into their mouths.
In a statement, the British Army said seventeen former recruit instructors have been charged and will face court martial proceedings in September.
The three year military police investigation reportedly cost 1.1 million euros.
Legal considerations mean there will be no further comment at the moment.