Four members of the British Navy hockey team who played in a tournament in Halifax, Canada, were detained after a young woman complained of group sexual assault. The incident allegedly happened at a drinking post-game party inside the barracks, located at 12 Wing Shearwater military base, on April 10.

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The four sailors were identified by CTVnews as Craig Stoner, Darren Smalley, Joshua Finbow and Simon Radford. They were arrested on Thursday evening and charged each with one count of sexual assault causing bodily harm under the Criminal Code of Canada.

The female victim cannot be named as she is protected by a publication ban. But CTVnews said she is a civilian from Halifax. Right after the attack, she reportedly complained to the military police that resulted in the arrest of the four sailors after six days.

The sailors would go back to court on Monday to continue negotiation, said Crown lawyer Scott Morrison who added that bail terms are under discussion. The British Ministry of Defence, which confirmed that the four sailors are facing charges, said it would provide the proper assistance to Canadian authorities. It declined to further comment on the case due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Besides arresting the four sailors, the military police also confiscated beddings, clothing and electronic gadgets of the athletes such as iPads, laptops and mobile phones.

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy Ice Hockey team removed its Facebook Page, reports Niagaraadvance.com.

The Canadian Forces National Investigations Service (CFNIS), in a statement said through spokesman Lt. Col. Francis Bolduc, "This is a disturbing accusation of sexual assault ... I'm pleased with the full co-operation provided by the British authorities to support the hard work and diligence of the CFNIS team in responding to the matter."

The CFNIS, a unit that is part of Canada's military police, is the one tasked to investigate serious and sensitive matters related to National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Morrison said the Crown would only agree to their release if the four would post a large bail, surrender their passports and agree to stay in Canada during the duration of their trial.

Tagssexual assault, Rape, British Navy, sailors