'Suspended without prejudice': Space Command RAF chief booted from force for alleged 'serious' sex offence
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An investigation into Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson remains ongoing
The head of Britain’s military space operation has been suspended amid an investigation into an alleged serious sexual offence.
Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson took charge of the UK Space Command earlier this year after previously serving as its deputy commander. The Sun newspaper reported the allegations involve attacking an employee and stealing from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
An RAF spokesperson said: “Air Vice-Marshal James Thompson was suspended without prejudice as part of an investigation. Air Commodore Darren Whiteley is the interim Commander of UK Space Command.”
A Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a member of the RAF was arrested in connection to reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult.
“The theft investigation has concluded and has been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority for a charging decision. The investigation into the alleged serious sexual offence remains ongoing, and therefore it’d be inappropriate to comment further.”
As head of Space Command, Air Vice-Marshal Thompson is responsible for running Britain’s military operations in space, including monitoring threats and protecting satellites. Headquartered in Buckinghamshire, the organisation brings together personnel and capabilities from the RAF, Army and Royal Navy.
Air Vice-Marshal Thompson, who joined the RAF in 1997 as a weapons technician, took over the role from Major General Paul Tedman, who announced his retirement in June.
“I am delighted to be joining such a vibrant and exciting command at a time of unparalleled operational activity and capability growth,” he said at the time of his appointment. “It is great to be back with friends and colleagues I have worked with for over two decades.”
At the time, Maj Gen Tedman added: “It’s always a privilege to command, but to lead our joint space forces over such a crucial time in such an important domain has been the apogee of my career. The command has come of age on recent operations and accelerated delivery of space capability, and I leave confident that it is ready for the challenges ahead. AVM Thompson is a fantastic choice to succeed me, and I wish him every success.”