Decorated Army officer fined for punching junior soldier at party
Captain Lee Bush, a decorated Army officer, was fined after admitting he punched a junior soldier three times at a Christmas party in Somerset. A military court said the attack was one-sided and began after joking remarks, highlighting the seriousness of violence between colleagues.
The incident took place at an accommodation block at 101 Battalion’s base in Keynsham in November 2025. Warrant Officer Andrew Ridsdale suffered jaw pain and severe headaches, needed medical attention and was unable to work for two weeks. Bush was fined £2,900 and ordered to pay £800 compensation; he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
- Army captain punched a junior soldier three times.
- The victim was off work for two weeks.
- Bush was fined £2,900 and ordered to pay £800 compensation.
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The Army is the United Kingdom’s land-based military force, organised into units such as battalions. Officers lead soldiers, while warrant officers are senior non-commissioned personnel with important leadership and disciplinary responsibilities.
Captain Lee Bush and Warrant Officer Andrew Ridsdale were colleagues in 101 Battalion. The reported assault took place at a Christmas party at the unit’s base in Keynsham, Somerset, and left Ridsdale needing medical care and time away from work.
The case concerns violence between people serving in the same unit, where professional conduct and trust matter to daily duties. Military courts deal with offences by service personnel, and can impose penalties such as fines and compensation.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Army bomb disposal expert punched junior soldier three times in the face after ‘light-hearted banter’”.