US airman in UK court martialled

RAF Lakenheath is run by the US air force

A US airman, based in Suffolk, has been court-martialled on charges relating to attempts to defraud six banks.

A military tribunal at the US airbase RAF Lakenheath sentenced Senior Airman David Leaven to eight months confinement after being found guilty of five breaches of military rules.

A spokesman for the US Airforce told BBC News Online on Friday that Leaven had attempted to open up accounts with banks, in the Newmarket area, under false identities.

Leaven, a member of the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, deposited cheques and then tried to withdraw the money.

Using false passport

The spokesman said co-operation between the US airbase and Suffolk Police prevented any money being handed over.

At the US court martial, held this week, Leaven was found guilty of conspiracy to commit larceny, soliciting a fellow airman to commit larceny and using a false passport to the discredit of the armed forces.

He was also found guilty of lying to a British police officer to the discredit of the armed forces, and persuading a fellow airman to place a false name on his gas bill, which was prejudicial to good order and discipline.

The court martial also reduced Leaven's rank.