Bombardier admits having sexual relationship with recruit

Non-commissioned officer Bombardier Phillip Manning is facing several charges of sexual misconduct. Photo / NZPA

A non-commissioned officer facing a court martial in Linton has admitted having a sexual relationship with a recruit.

Bombardier Phillip Manning, 27, is facing several charges of sexual misconduct. He pleaded guilty to six of these on Monday but denied a further six relating to sexual violation and indecent assault.

He elected to take the stand today, telling the court he had engaged in sexual intercourse twice with one of the three female complainants. He also admitted to having her perform oral sex on him twice.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred while the NCO was an instructor in Waiouru between September 2011 and May 2012.

Bombardier Manning claimed these interactions with one of the recruits was consensual and sometimes at her initiation.

He described one evening where the complainant pulled herself closer to him while they were sleeping. He said she then proceeded to touch his chest before "grabbing" his penis.

"We had a kiss...I reached into her sleeping bag and began feeling her breasts."

He said they continued touching each other.

"I got the impression she liked what I was doing..."

In a previous video interview, Bombardier Manning denied any sexual contact with the recruit. Defence lawyer Paul Murray said his client had lied because he was scared and shocked by the allegations.

Bombardier Manning also told the court the recruit had initiated sexual intercourse twice, once after a platoon function and once when she was left behind to do cleaning tasks.

On the first occasion, he said she came to his barrack room, climbed on top of him and began passionately kissing him before engaging in sex.

He said another situation arose when she again approached Bombardier Manning in his room.

"I asked her if she wanted to come in and have sex. She said yeah then came in and we had sexual intercourse."

He said by this time they had an established sexual relationship.