Household Cavalry Soldier Accused of Assaulting Colleague's Sleeping Partner After Alleged Spiking
A Household Cavalry trooper has been accused of a disturbing sequence of events that culminated in the alleged sexual assault of his colleague's sleeping girlfriend, according to testimony presented at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire.
Alleged Predatory Behaviour in Army Quarters
The court heard that 39-year-old Joeli Ratu was drinking with fellow soldiers from the Army's most senior ceremonial unit when he reportedly prepared a powerful alcoholic 'concoction' for a colleague. This drink allegedly caused the fellow trooper to become incapacitated and lose consciousness entirely.
Prosecutors claim that Ratu then waited until his colleague was unconscious before entering the bedroom in the soldier's flat at the prestigious Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge. The woman, who was sleeping topless, reportedly awoke to find Ratu positioned over her in the bed.
Disturbing Testimony from Alleged Victim
The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, provided harrowing testimony about the alleged twenty-minute ordeal. She described feeling 'like a mouse trapped in the corner' as Ratu allegedly tried to convince her to have a 'one night stand' while her boyfriend remained unconscious elsewhere in the flat.
Key elements of her testimony included:
- Waking to find Ratu's face immediately next to hers
- Being physically blocked from exiting the room
- Repeated attempts by Ratu to grab her despite her clear refusals
- Alleged statements from Ratu that she had 'no option' but to comply
- Feeling compelled to remain polite despite the terrifying situation
Evening Events Leading to Alleged Assault
The court heard that Ratu had met his colleague's girlfriend earlier that evening at a bar, where he reportedly took an 'immediate interest' in her. After socialising together, the group returned to the boyfriend's barracks accommodation to continue drinking.
The woman, feeling 'exhausted' after three drinks, retired to bed despite a broken lock on the bedroom door. She testified that she had felt secure in the barracks environment, believing it to be 'the safest place' she could be.
Alleged Manipulation and Aftermath
According to the prosecution, Ratu remained in the flat after other guests departed and prepared the strong drink for his colleague. When the boyfriend became ill from intoxication and went to the bathroom, asking Ratu to leave, the defendant allegedly entered the bedroom instead.
The woman described focusing on remaining 'firm' and composed throughout the alleged assault, eventually demanding that Ratu bring her boyfriend to her. After approximately twenty minutes, Ratu reportedly fetched the unconscious soldier and placed him on the bed.
Notably, the woman recalled Ratu stating: 'I'm sorry for getting him so drunk' – wording that she found particularly significant given her boyfriend's usual capacity to manage his own alcohol consumption.
Immediate Reporting and Ongoing Proceedings
The alleged victim reported that Ratu attempted to kiss her neck once more before finally departing the room. She formally reported the incident the following day.
Prosecutor Commander Edward Hannah told the court that the woman had made her lack of consent unequivocally clear throughout the encounter and believed she could 'placate' Ratu through calm communication.
Joeli Ratu denies two counts of sexual assault. The trial at Bulford Military Court continues as further evidence is presented in this disturbing case that has raised serious questions about conduct within military accommodation.
