RAF deputy chief suspended after 'flashing neighbours from his garden'

The RaF's deputy chief has been suspended after neighbours complained to police that he had flashed his bottom at them from his garden.

Air Marshal Andrew Turner, 54, wrote to the family last week apologising for an incident that he said caused “absolutely unintentional upset”.

The neighbour, Simon Herbert, 54, said he was “astonished” to see Air Marshal Turner naked in the paddock of his £1.5 million cottage in Cane End, Oxfordshire.

He said that his partner, Leslie Stevens, 52, and her 18-year-old daughter felt “really upset” by the incident in August last year.

Mr Herbert said he was initially concerned for his neighbour’s wellbeing, but subsequently complained to Thames Valley police after confronting his neighbour, yet no charges were brought against him. 

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Air Marshal Andrew Turner - Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

'Stepped back over a personal matter'

Air Marshal Turner, a former special forces commander, is one of just two air marshals, standing in rank just below Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.

He was suspended two weeks ago after he informed his senior officer of the investigation, meanwhile commanders were told that he had “stepped back over a personal matter”.

An RAF source told the Telegraph that “discussions were being held” over Air Marshal Turner’s future within the military. They questioned whether it was “appropriate behaviour from someone in the military”.

'Duck responsibility' 

Mr Herbert, who runs an animal sanctuary on his property, said Air Marshal Turner was still trying to “duck responsibility”. 

Commenting on the incident, he said: “As I approached, I could see his face as he turned towards me and had a look of shock or surprise. He just turned away from me and started walking slowly back up his paddock towards his house and garden.”

A solicitor for Air Marshal Turner said the claims were inaccurate and “vexatious”.

An RAF spokesman said: “We are aware of a matter involving a RAF Officer, which has been subject to a police investigation. The officer has been suspended from duty without prejudice.”

Reference: The Telegraph:Danielle Sheridan