Retired navy sailor charged with sex assault, mistreating subordinate

A retired Canadian sailor has been charged with sexual assault and mistreating a subordinate.

Master Warrant Officer (retired) Andrew Durnford faces five charges in alleged incidents stemming from his time serving on HMCS Toronto between January 2010 and September 2011.

He is charged with two counts of sexual assault, assault, conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, and ill-treatment of a subordinate.

Lt.-Col. Francis Bolduc, who commands the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, says the charges reflect the service’s commitment “to support and protect victims” in alleged sexual assaults.

The matter is now proceeding in the military justice system for possible court martial.