A former Royal Navy nuclear submarine commander has been sentenced to 33 months in prison following a court martial that found him guilty of sexual assault, false imprisonment, and possession of cocaine. Lieutenant Commander John Cursiter, 46, who served as executive officer on the nuclear-armed submarine HMS Vanguard and worked at the UK’s nuclear submarine base in Faslane, was convicted of drugging and assaulting a junior sailor in November 2022.

The incident took place after a night of heavy drinking at HMS Drake, a naval base in Devon, where Cursiter provided the 20-year-old trainee submariner with alcohol and cocaine. The victim, who had no prior relationship with Cursiter, was reportedly incapacitated and was physically guided by Cursiter to the officer’s mess cabin. The younger man later woke up confused and distressed in Cursiter’s quarters, realizing the gravity of the assault. Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of drugs in his system. The victim described the event as an “ambush” and testified that it had a devastating impact on his personal and professional life, resulting in his departure from the Navy shortly after.

During sentencing at Catterick Military Court, Judge Advocate Edward Legard described the assault as a “planned and predatory” attack and an “inexcusable betrayal” of military values. He emphasized the vulnerability of the victim, who was heavily intoxicated and sought to return to his own quarters before being steered away by Cursiter. The judge noted that the assault damaged not only the victim but also the reputation of the officer corps.

Cursiter, who served in the Royal Navy for 22 years before his arrest, resigned following the allegations but was formally dismissed in disgrace by the Navy upon conviction. Legal representatives acknowledged that he was remorseful and displayed some insight into his actions, although he did not accept guilt. Mitigation referenced Cursiter’s history of post-traumatic stress following a submarine accident in 2008 and other personal tragedies, including the death of close family members.

Following news of his arrest in 2022, a second former Royal Navy sailor came forward alleging sexual assault by Cursiter in 2013. Cursiter denied the allegations, and a court martial board ultimately cleared him of those charges.

Rear Admiral Andy Perks, head of the Navy’s submarine service, condemned the offenses as “wholly unacceptable” and expressed support for the victims. The case has drawn attention to issues of misconduct within the Royal Navy and the challenges victims face in the military environment.