Former Australian Army captain Rhiley Boyson has been sentenced to three months in jail by a court martial panel in Canberra, after he was found guilty of sexual assaulting a colleague with a beer bottle in a “prank” gone wrong.

The incident took place during “hijinks” in the men’s toilets at a work function last year, and the court heard the victim was on the ground, trying to prevent his pants from being removed when the assault happened.

Boyson has been taken to Holsworthy Barracks to be detained, pending an automatic review, before any transfer to a civilian jail would occur.

Judge Advocate Brigadier Michael Cowen said the sentencing from a court martial panel was similar to the civilian courts, but must also take into account the maintenance of Defence Force discipline.

He said the assault occurred against the backdrop of a push to change military culture.

“There were some hijinks going on it the toilets at the time,” he said.

He also said there was no suggestion the incident was motivated by sexual gratification.

The court heard the victim suffers ongoing anxiety and trauma over the attack.

Yesterday prosecutor Sarah Robin told the court martial panel a strong message needed to be sent over the attack.

“A message needs to be sent to him that pranks that result in a violation of the person will not be tolerated,” she said.

Boyson has the option to appeal the court martial’s decision.

-ABC