WA: Navy wants to help AWOL sailor

AAP General News (Australia)
02-13-2000
WA: Navy wants to help AWOL sailor

The Navy has offered medical and legal help to a sailor it alleges went AWOL five months
ago -- and it's appealing for him to turn himself in.

Seaman DARRYLL BORG has told Perth's Sunday Times newspaper he was so desperate to
escape the HMAS Stirling naval base, off Perth, last September he swam for six hours to
cover the two kilometres to Rockingham Beach.

The Navy alleges Seaman BORG went AWOL to avoid a disciplinary hearing over a previous
incident of being absent without leave.

It says he is not going to be crucified, but he does have to return and resolve the
situation and he'll be given a fair hearing -- or else he'll be facing a dishonourable
discharge.

But the sailor's told the paper he's too scared to return for fear of being jailed.

His mother's told the Sunday Times the Navy has failed in its duty of care for her
son and the family wants him discharged on medical grounds.

AAP RTV ajm/sub

KEYWORD: AWOL SAILOR (PERTH)

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