A British soldier has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for kidnapping and attempting to murder a fellow serviceman who had begun a relationship with his estranged wife. John Watson, 35, ambushed James Dicks, a member of the Household Cavalry, outside the woman’s home in Windsor in May last year.
Watson secured Dicks’ hands with cable ties, forced him into his car, tried to wrap clingfilm around his face, and attacked him with a knife. At Reading Crown Court, Judge Angela Morris described two sides to Watson: a devoted family man and disciplined soldier, and another consumed by anger, jealousy, and murderous intent.
Watson and Dicks had become friends while stationed together at Combermere Barracks near Windsor. Both were married at the time, but after their relationships broke down, Dicks, 28, began seeing Watson’s estranged wife, Lynsey Watson.
During the attack, Dicks testified that he feared for his life. He initially refused Watson’s demands to put his hands through cable ties, but after Watson threatened to slash his throat, Dicks complied and was bound in the back of Watson’s car. Watson then drove to a layby and produced clingfilm. Dicks managed to kick Watson, break the cable ties, and escape the car, but Watson pursued him with the clingfilm, attempting to wrap it around his head.
Dicks said he took a last breath and broke the cable ties with his hands. Watson again produced a knife and pressed it against Dicks’ chest. Neighbours alerted police, and two officers with Tasers arrived, prompting Watson to release the knife.
