A British Royal Marine who made sexist remarks against female colleagues aboard the Royal Navy’s flagship has escaped a service ban, despite facing strong criticism from a military judge over his conduct.
Marine Ewan Baxter, 24, of the elite 42 Commando unit, was instead handed a 90-day Service Supervision and Punishment Order following an incident involving fellow personnel on the Greek island of Crete in October 2025.
The Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire heard that Baxter had been drinking at the Majestic bar on October 2 when his behaviour towards colleagues became abusive, eventually leading to his removal from the establishment and return to the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
During the incident, Baxter directed sexist comments at two female service members. He told Leading Hand Nicole Gildert that he would not listen to her because she was a woman, while also ordering Chief Petty Officer Rachel Cairney to “f\*\*\* off”.
His misconduct was not limited to the female sailors. The court heard that he also verbally abused Leading Hand Alex Turner and Lieutenant Edward Faull, who attempted to intervene and get him to go to bed.
When Lt Faull instructed him to rest, Baxter reportedly dismissed the officer’s authority, saying rank meant nothing to him and referring to himself as “just a matelot”.
Baxter admitted four counts of misconduct towards a superior officer. Prosecutor Group Captain Michaela Blackmore told the court that his actions reflected discriminatory attitudes towards women serving in the Navy.
During questioning by service police, the Marine acknowledged that he had behaved disrespectfully, explaining that he was angry about being taken back to the ship.
His defence lawyer, Michael Green, told the court that Baxter regretted his actions and accepted that his comments had been inappropriate. The defence also cited his nine-month deployment and his family’s longstanding connection to the Royal Marines as mitigating circumstances.
However, Assistant Judge Advocate General John Atwill rejected any suggestion that the incident was merely an isolated lapse in judgment, describing Baxter’s behaviour as prolonged and particularly disrespectful towards female personnel.
The judge reminded him that women had served in the Royal Navy for three decades, criticising his attitude as casual misogyny that brought no credit to him or the service.
Atwill further described the Marine’s conduct as immature, undisciplined and poorly judged, ordering him to “wise up and grow up”.
Under the punishment imposed, Baxter must report to his commanding officer for 90 days and forfeit one-sixth of his pay during the period.
Despite the severity of the court’s criticism, the punishment means Baxter will not be barred from continuing his military service.
