British soldier charged with raping woman serving with UK armed forces in Cyprus

A British soldier serving with the Royal Regiment of Scotland has been remanded in custody after being charged with raping a woman serving with the UK armed forces in Cyprus.

Lance Corporal Nicholas Horne, of the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland – also known as The Highlanders – will face a court-martial hearing.

The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) said LCpl Horne was charged with one count of rape on 23 October.

The DSCC, a police organisation, said it was informed of the reported rape of a woman serving in British Forces Cyprus, which is part of the British Army, on 17 October.

LCpl Horne was arrested two days later, on 19 October.

The charge follows an investigation by the DSCC's Major Crime Team, carried out with Service Police partners.

An Army spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Lance Corporal Nicholas Horne was charged with one count of rape, contrary to section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2006, on 23rd October 2026, following an investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command.

“As this is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

“There is no place for criminal behaviour in the Army, and we recognise the great courage it takes to come forward and report an offence.

“Anyone convicted of a sexual offence will be discharged from the Service.”

The DSCC said anyone affected by sexual offences in the Armed Forces is encouraged to contact them.

Lance Corporal is the second lowest soldier rank in the British Army, according to the British Army's website.

The rank typically involves the commanding and administration of a team of around four people.