Head of UK Space Command Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson suspended over serious sexual offence and theft allegations

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 September 2026 · last updated 24 September 2026.

Air Vice-Marshal Jamie Thompson was arrested at the Ministry of Defence in London in August, just weeks after taking charge of UK Space Command — a role commanding over £110,000 a year. The Defence Serious Crime Command confirmed he was held over reports of theft and a serious sexual offence involving an adult, with the theft case already referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority for a charging decision. Thompson had been appointed only in June and was set to host the UK Space Power Conference this week alongside Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. Air Commodore Darren Whiteley has been named interim commander while the sexual offence investigation continues.

Thompson was reportedly arrested for attacking an employee and stealing from the MoD.

The scandal broke on the same day Streeting unveiled a new space squadron to defend British satellites.

Thompson had described himself as a 'champion of diversity' and led the RAF Diversity Allies Initiative before his suspension.