Former Chelsea Pensioner Jailed Over Sex Assault

A former Chelsea Pensioner has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after being convicted of a sexual assault.

Patrick Teegan was thrown out of the prestigious Royal Hospital after being found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court in July.

The 72-year-old is a former Warrant Officer who joined the Army back in 1962. Having served all over the world he later joined the Ministry of Defence.

In May 2014, wearing his ceremonial scarlet uniform, he met a 29-year-old fundraising executive at an event in the hospital's club. Having bought her several glasses of wine he went on to assault her in his private berth.

Having already had a couple of drinks before meeting the pensioner the woman has no recollection of leaving the club but remembers waking up naked in his bed to find him rubbing himself against her.

"He had his arm around my waist and he was naked as well lying behind me.. I was shocked, I didn't know where I was or who I was with" she told police.

Mr Teegan doesn't deny being in bed with the woman but had told the court: "I knew I was doing wrong by letting her into my berth, that was breaking hospital rules, the no female rule.

"She started taking her clothes off and got into bed and she said: 'Come to bed.' I got into bed, wearing just my underpants. I wanted to have a rest."

Just hours before the assault the father of two had taken part in a bell-ringing ceremony to mark the end of the famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Secretary and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Hospital Chelsea Paul Hatt Said: "This case has been shocking and distressing for all within the Royal Hospital Chelsea's close-knit community.

"Mr Teegan ceased to be an In-Pensioner of the Royal Hospital when he was convicted of this serious crime. Behaviour like his will never be condoned or tolerated."