Defence Forces promoted captain to commandant despite conviction

An army captain court-martialled for illegal smuggling has been promoted to the rank of commandant.

Catherine Lundon in 2021 pleaded guilty to conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, having arranged for a large quantity of cigarettes to be placed on a military flight from the Middle East to Ireland, the Irish Examiner reported.  

A Defence Forces spokesperson told The Ditch “disciplinary procedures” were carried out. Lundon was later promoted to a senior position in the force. 

A conviction for conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline under section 168 of the Defence Act 1954 can result in a maximum prison sentence of up to six months. 

Six charges. Five dropped

In September 2021, Catherine Lundon admitted to dispatching a large quantity of cigarettes on a flight from the Middle East to Ireland, exceeding the limit imposed by UN standing orders.  

She was working in the transport division of the Defence Forces at the time. 

Lundon initially faced six charges and pleaded not guilty. Following an arraignment however she pleaded guilty to one count of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline contrary to section 168 of the Defence Act 1954.

The other five charges, including one related to a bottle of vodka, were dropped. 

The incident that she was convicted for took place between 31 October and 1 November, 2018. At the time of the offence Lundon was a member of the 112th Infantry Battalion on peacekeeping duties in Lebanon.  

After her conviction the Defence Forces promoted Lundon to the rank of commandant. 

A spokesperson told The Ditch the Defence Forces does not tolerate any actions by serving personnel contrary to military regulations.

“Military disciplinary procedures were carried out following due process,” the spokesperson said. “The Defence Forces does not comment on the specifics of individual cases.”