Naked service
Four soldiers found themselves spending the night in police cells after a drunkenly cycling through the streets of Abingdon naked, writes Maggie Boyle.
The prank was a result of a night spent drinking in the town, but came to an unfortunate end when the quartet were arrested by local police on night-time vehicle check duty in the town. The police caught up with the unclothed cyclists after a short chase and took them back to Abingdon police station.
Inspector Graham Sutherland of the Abingdon police told of his surprise to see four naked cyclists heading toward them on what was a fortunately warm night.
Luckily no-one but the police saw them and the four men, all privates of Four Regiment Reme Workshops from Dalton barracks, were released after a night sobering up in the cells.
Although the police plan to take no further action, the army has confirmed that the soldiers will be disciplined. Major Roger Wallis said, "It was high spirits which they did for a laugh but it went a bit too far" adding, "rest assured the will be facing disciplinary action from us."
8th Jun 2001