Army runaways in custody

Heidi Cochrane was used by MoD to show women in the army

A woman soldier and her sergeant, who began an affair while serving in Cyprus and went absent without leave, have given themselves up.

Lance Bombardier Heidi Cochrane and Sergeant Jason Archer, who were both married, ran away together in July last year.

The incident particularly embarrassed the Army when it was revealed that Lance Bombardier Cochrane had been pictured with an assault rifle to promote the role of women in the armed forces.

They will be dealt with as quickly and as fairly as possible

MoD spokesman

Lance Bombardier Cochrane and Sergeant Archer are now in custody at Goojerat Barracks at Colchester Garrison in Essex, where they handed themselves in.

A MoD spokesman said: "We are quite obviously pleased they have decided to come back and give themselves up.

"They have been taken into custody and their commanding officer will decide what disciplinary action will be taken on Monday.

"He will listen to what they have to say for themselves. He will probably recommend disciplinary action which could be a court martial, a custodial sentence or dismissal from the Army. There are a range of options.

"They will be dealt with as quickly and as fairly as possible."

Compassion

The couple meet while serving with the 16 Regiment Royal Artillery in Cyprus.

In an interview with the News of the World before turning themselves in, the couple explained how they had travelled across Europe during their seven months on the run.

They said they accepted they would have to be punished, but called on the army to show them compassion.

Lance Bombardier Cochrane said: "I love Jason and he loves me and our freedom is precious to us.

"But we want to spend the rest of our lives together and though it hurts terribly now, the only way to do that is to come home and meet our responsibilities."

The paper said it tracked down the couple in Holland two weeks ago and escorted them to Colchester from a Paris hideaway.