Wing Commander Simon Ashworth booted from ADF for secret relationship with subordinate

A high-ranking RAAF officer who had a secret relationship with a subordinate less than half his age has learned his fate. Find out what happened in court.

Wing Commander Simon Philip Ashworth has been booted from the Australian Defence Force for having a secret relationship with a woman under his command.

A high ranking air force officer has been kicked out of the Australian Defence Force for having a secret affair with a young officer under his chain of command.

Wing Commander Simon Philip Ashworth, 55, was in a relationship with his subordinate, who was only 22 at the time, between March and November 2021.

Ashworth appeared before the Defence Force Magistrates Court in Canberra and pleaded guilty to a charge of prejudicial conduct by omitting to perform an act — specifically for not telling his chain of command about the relationship.

According to the statement of agreed facts read out in court, the relationship began when the pair attended a RAAF event in Canberra where the officer told Ashworth about previous negative sexual experiences at ADFA.

Wing Commander Simon Ashworth had a secret relationship with a subordinate under his command. Picture: Defence

Ashworth told her he wanted to be a “mentor in sex” for her.

During the relationship the woman stayed at Ashworth’s home when his wife was away, and he also stayed at her house where they had sex.

The facts stated during work trips in Western Australia and the NT the pair would meet for sex.

In July the woman changed her post, and was no longer under Ashworth’s chain of command, but remained in a long-distance relationship with him.

By November 2021 the relationship deteriorated leading the woman to report Ashworth to her chain of Command.

Simon Ashworth leaves the Defence Force Military Court in Canberra on November 21. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Following the woman’s report, administrative action was taken against her former boss with the ADF planning to terminate Ashworth regardless of the outcome of his Defence Force Magistrate Court matter.

However his termination was held back to allow for court proceedings to take place.

The prosecutor described Ashworth’s failure to report his relationship as an “abuse of trust” and an act of “disdain” against the RAAF.

“As commanding officer of the squadron he had privilege and authority,” he said.

The prosecutor said there was no evidence Ashworth treated his former partner favourably or unfavourably, but said the secret relationship could lead to an “environment of suspicion”.

Ashworth said he did not seek “any sympathy” for his actions. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

He also noted the relationship was consensual and said ADF members of different ranks were able to have relationships; but said it was prejudicial conduct for bosses to have secret relationships with their subordinates.

The prosecutor said Ashworth joined the RAAF in 2001 after serving in the UK’s Royal Air Force for over a decade.

Ashworth testified in court and said he regretted his actions

“After 37 years of serving the Commonwealth it pains me to be a burden,” he said.

“In no way do I seek sympathy.”

Ashworth’s lawyer, Wing Commander Steve Whybrow SC, said his client had organised employment with a defence contractor.

However Wing Commander Whybrow said his client lost his job offer after Defence notified the organisation about the court proceedings against him.

He told the Court Martial Panel that “it takes two to tango in this scenario” and said the court was not a “tribunal of morals”, warning the panel against punishing Ashworth for infidelity.

The panel dismissed Ashworth from the ADF and fined him $12,000 to be paid within six months.