RAF pilot, 30, admits assaulting his squadron leader lover, 38, but denies attempted murder

A Royal Air Force pilot has denied attempting to murder his squadron leader partner but admitted assaulting her.

Flight Lieutenant Timothy Barry, 30, allegedly tried to kill Sarah Seddon in Cuxham, Oxfordshire, on January 14 last year.

Both reportedly served in 33 Squadron, a helicopter squadron based at RAF Benson, when the alleged incident happened.

Flight Lieutenant Timothy Barry (left, outside Oxford Crown Court today), 29, is said to have tried to strangle 38-year-old pilot Sarah Seddon (right) at their cottage home in Cuxham, Oxfordshire

33 Squadron was founded in 1916 and saw action France and Germany in the Second World War, in the Gulf War of 1991 and in Iraq from 2003 to 2011

Barry, of Cuxham, has denied attempted murder but admitted a count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

He also denied a third charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

33 Squadron was founded in 1916 and saw action France and Germany in the Second World War, as well as in the Gulf War of 1991.

The squadron was also part of the military campaign in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.

It is home to the RAF’s Puma combat helicopter.  

Barry, represented by Lisa Wilding QC, appeared in the dock wearing a dark suit, blue shirt and patterned navy tie.

He spoke to confirm his name and enter pleas to the charges.

The trial was listed to be opened on Monday but was adjourned after an expert witness suffered medical problems.

Judge Ian Pringle QC said it was a ‘matter of deep regret’ the trial was unable to start and that it was unlikely to be heard before November 2019.

Barry was bailed.

Barry, pictured outside Oxford Crown Court today, denies a charge of attempted murder