Police missed chance to investigate after US military failed to notify UK of drink driving allegation against England-based airman

Allegation after a night out

Mooty, then 21 and serving at the US air force base at Mildenhall, went out in March 2023 with two other American service personnel. After spending the night drinking, they travelled by taxi to a home in Bury St Edmunds, then decided to find food.

Police say they could not investigate

Under an agreement in place since the 1950s, British police generally have primary responsibility for investigating alleged offences by US service personnel. Exceptions include offences committed on duty or against fellow service members or military property.

The USAF said it had no specific written record that British authorities were notified, but saw no reason to believe verbal notice had not been given under standard procedures. It also said police had no chemical test results or first-hand observations of impairment, evidence local prosecutors typically seek.

A later arrest in Suffolk

At 4.20am on 31 March 2024, a Suffolk police officer arrested Mooty in Bury St Edmunds after he drove over the legal limit. He resisted arrest. The USAF did not request to take over the prosecution in that case. It said local prosecution was “perfectly appropriate” under its agreement with the UK.

Questions over reporting arrangements

The USAF says it seeks to prosecute as many personnel as possible within the limits of its agreement with Britain, arguing that military proceedings better maintain discipline and order. It often asks British police to transfer cases, and police frequently agree.

The case has prompted questions about whether other US personnel based in Britain have committed offences that were not reported to British forces. American service members’ driving has also drawn concern over offences including speeding, drink-driving and driving without insurance.