RUSSELL PAUL TAUNTON ROYAL MARINE OFFICER FACES EXPULSION AFTER SPYING ON GIRL AT LOCAL POOL

In June 2014, a highly regarded officer within the Royal Marine Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Russell Paul, found himself at the center of a serious legal controversy that could ultimately lead to his expulsion from the military ranks. The incident occurred at a public swimming facility in Plymouth, where Paul was accused of engaging in voyeuristic behavior involving an 11-year-old girl.

According to court proceedings, the young girl was changing after her swimming lesson at the Life Centre leisure complex when she noticed something unusual. She observed a mirror protruding from beneath the adjacent cubicle, which allowed her to see into the neighboring space. As she removed her bikini top, she looked down and saw the reflection of an eye, which she later identified as being that of Lieutenant Colonel Russell Paul. Startled and distressed, she quickly covered herself with a towel and hurriedly left the cubicle to alert staff about the incident.

Staff at the facility responded promptly, and CCTV footage was reviewed as part of the investigation. The footage revealed Paul emerging from the neighboring cubicle shortly after the girl had exited, raising suspicions about his involvement. Despite his claims to police that he had only been in the pool for 45 minutes, showered, and then left, the footage indicated he had been in the water for merely seven minutes, casting doubt on his account.

Further searches of his quarters at his military base in Taunton, Somerset, uncovered a bag containing 22 pairs of women’s underwear. Paul insisted that these items were a gift from a Secret Santa exchange seven years prior, dismissing any inappropriate intent. Additionally, authorities examined his home computer, discovering Google search queries that revealed an unsettling interest in young girls, including teenagers and pre-teen children.

Prosecutor Llewellyn Sellick detailed the events, emphasizing that the girl had clearly seen Paul spying on her through the mirror. He stated, “She saw an eye reflected in the mirror. She covered herself with a towel and left the cubicle.”

During the court hearing, Paul’s defense attorney, Adrian Chaplin, highlighted his client’s previously unblemished career and expressed remorse, stating that Paul wished to apologize to the victims for the distress caused by his actions.

In sentencing, Recorder Simon Levene acknowledged the profound impact on the young girls involved. He remarked that the girls were left frightened and would likely remember the incident for a long time. The judge also addressed the broader implications of such behavior, noting that individuals in esteemed positions, such as marines and judges, are held to higher standards. He warned Paul that his actions not only affected his personal reputation but also reflected poorly on his professional standing, a consequence he would have to accept.

As a result of his conviction, Paul, who resides in Taunton, was sentenced to a community order with three years of supervision, along with a financial penalty of £1,600 in court costs and a £60 victim surcharge. The case has also cast doubt on his future within the Royal Marine Corps, with the possibility of expulsion looming. A Royal Navy spokesperson commented that the service would now review the impact of the conviction on Paul’s career, emphasizing that any administrative actions would remain confidential between the military and the individual involved.