Chelsea pensioner jailed for twelve months for sexually assaulting young woman

Patrick Teegan, 72, will go on the Sex Offenders' register for 10 years

Chelsea pensioner Pactrick Teegan (PA)

A Chelsea pensioner has been jailed for 12 months for sexually assaulting a young woman in his room. Patrick Teegan, 72, was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court last month of assaulting the woman, in her 20s, in May last year.

Sentencing, Recorder Jonathan Davies said he took account of Teegan’s previous exemplary character and the loss of his status as a Chelsea pensioner. “But the court cannot ignore the fact that you took sexual advantage of this young woman, and this crosses the custody threshold.”

On the last day of the Chelsea Flower Show, Teegan went to the bar at Royal Hospital Chelsea having earlier attended the closing ceremony of the show. The victim, a woman in her 20s, came in to the bar, and was persuaded to join Teegan and his friends for drinks.

“There came a time when she was drunk, so much so that the bar staff were concerned for her, and you said that you would look after her,” the judge said. “I accept that what you did next was opportunistic, but after you left the bar with her, you took her back to your berth. The next she knew, she woke up, naked in your bed.”

The judge said Teegan denied rubbing himself against her, and had not accepted responsibility for what happened. “I do not punish you extra for that, but I note it, that you are not in any way remorseful,” the judge said.

The judge said the woman had been vulnerable because of her circumstances. She was too drunk, and then unconscious, to give consent to Teegan and his actions. He took into account Teegan’s age, that he had no previous convictions, and his distinguished military career. He said Teegan would have to go on the Sex Offenders’ register for 10 years when he was released from prison. Acting chief executive officer of the Royal Hospital Chelsea Paul Hatt said: “This case has been shocking and distressing for all within the Royal Hospita’s close-knit community.

“Mr Teegan ceased to be an In-Pensioner of the Royal Hospital when he was convicted of this serious crime. Behaviour like his will never be condoned or tolerated.”

Press Association