RAF deputy suspended for being naked in garden tells cops he was 'looking for his dog’s ball'

13 February 2022, 23:28 | Updated: 14 February 2022, 17:58

An RAF deputy chief who was suspended after neighbours complained about him being naked in his garden, told police he was hot and looking for a dog ball.

Andrew Turner, 54, left neighbours 'astonished' after they spotted him standing naked in the garden of his £1.4million home in Berkshire, in August last year.

According to The Daily Mail, Mr Herbert, Leslie Stevens and her 18-year-old daughter were left 'really upset' by the incident which has since caused further tension and disagreements between the neighbours.

The family of three were concerned for the RAF chief's wellbeing after he was allegedly seen "fully naked not even wearing shoes".

But Simon Herbert, told the newspaper when he approached Mr Turner, he did not reply, adding "his hands remained down by his side and he just turned away from me and started walking slowly back up his paddock towards his house and garden".

Mr Herbert added: "He even apparently told police that he didn't bare his bottom at me but was in fact bending over to pick up a tennis ball for his dog. And the reason why he'd taken off his clothes was because he was hot."

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The Air Marshal was ordered by police to send a letter to the family last week apologising for an incident he said caused 'absolutely unintentional upset'.

But Mr Herbert said he plans to appeal against the "community resolution" order given by Thames Valley Police as it does not reflect how "upsetting" the behaviour was.

He believes Mr Turner has "gotten away with it" because of his military title, branding the apology "very mealy-mouthed".

As Deputy Commander Capability of the Royal Air Force, Mr Turner is one of just two Air Marshals standing in rank below Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.

He is responsible for delivering the RAF Strategy to ensure the service can deliver air and space power for the nation and project power and influence around the world.

Mr Turner is thought to have been suspended two weeks ago and a spokesman for the RAF confirmed: "We are aware of a matter involving a RAF officer, which has been subject to a police investigation. The officer has been suspended from duty without prejudice."