THE former head of the Royal Navy has been sacked and stripped of his admiral rank over a secret affair with a subordinate.
Ex-First Sea Lord Sir Ben Key, 59, is the most senior officer in the Navy’s 500-year history to face the dishonour.
Ex-First Sea Lord Sir Ben Key has been sacked and stripped of his admiral rank over a secret affair with a subordinate[/caption]
The Sun revealed in May he had been suspended and banned from resigning while a probe ran its course.
The married dad of three had vowed to stamp out “intolerable behaviour” in the Navy, regardless of rank.
The MoD said: “Following a full investigation, Admiral Sir Ben Key’s behaviour has been found to have fallen far short of values and standards expected. This has resulted in termination of service and his commission.”
Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of the Armed Forces, said: “We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short.”
Sir Ben could now be stripped of his knighthood and CBE.
Pals say wife Elly is standing by him.
He did not face court martial as the affair was not a criminal offence.
He was accused of breaking Navy rules which ban sexual relationships between commanders and lower ranks.
The Armed Forces are also barred from actions which risk or wreck comrades’ marriages.
His lover has not been identified, but sources claimed she was a senior officer married to a sailor, who lodged a complaint.
Sir Ben, who had a stellar 41-year Navy career, said: “I deeply regret my conduct in spring last year, which fell well below the standard I set for myself and that which I set for the Royal Navy.
“I am very sorry to those I have hurt, and I apologise to everyone who serves with the Royal Navy.
“I am very grateful for the support of my wife, family and friends during a very difficult time.”
Chief’s brawl rap
Exclusive by Robin Perrie
A NAVY commander swerved jail after head-butting a Marine Sergeant Major at a nuclear base.
Lt Cdr Gary Fletcher, 34, behaved like a “taproom bruiser” when brawling with Hamish Robb after a boxing event at HMNB Clyde, known as Faslane.
The military court at Catterick, North Yorks, heard the pair thrashed around on the floor as RSM Robb tried to restrain the “agitated” senior officer.
Fletcher had been boozing to cope with a break-up, it was said.
He admitted battery and behaviour likely to discredit His Majesty’s forces.
He was sentenced to two years loss of seniority, his salary docked, and promotion banned.
