Coronavirus: Army Soldiers Jailed For Breaching COVID Rules

British Army soldiers have been jailed after breaking COVID-19 social distancing rules.

Thirteen personnel from 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards are being imprisoned at Colchester's Military Corrective Training Centre for the offence of disobeying a lawful order.

They have been sentenced to between 14 and 28 days, with the majority of the troops receiving 14 days.

The sentencing was carried out during a military Summary Hearing at Windsor Barracks.

Three more soldiers from the same regiment and battalion are awaiting a military Summary Hearing this week.

A British Army spokesperson said: "We are proud of our Armed Forces for the support they have provided the NHS in response to Covid-19, but we demand the highest standards of behaviour from all of our personnel.

"Following a breach in social distancing by several Welsh Guardsmen an investigation was conducted and the incident has been dealt with internally."

The Welsh Guards are responsible for guarding the Queen and carrying out ceremonial duties.

The infantry regiment led the Queen's official birthday celebrations at Windsor Castle in June.

In addition to their ceremonial role as guardians of royal palaces, the Welsh Guards are at high readiness to deploy on light-role operations at short notice.