Navy commander accused of sexually assaulting colleague cleared in 57 minutes

[Crimson Dynamo]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2018/10/30/TELEMMGLPICT000179327730_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq4POtkKl MnbnjmurEo3KPFGykJSlscYJFkXaKwZdWeUU.jpeg?imwidth= 700

A court martial took less than an hour to clear a Royal Navy Commander of sexual assault after he begged them not to ruin his career over a "schoolboy prank".

Commander Steven Heap allegedly left a female colleague's bottom sore after shocking her with two “firm slaps” during a Christmas party,
in what he said was an “amusing not sexual” act of "drunken buffoonery".

The 48-year-old, who received an MBE from Prince Charles, told the hearing he was very drunk when he slapped her backside on the
dance floor but insisted it was a “prank” and he was “showboating”.

The panel of five senior male officers cleared Cdr Heap of two counts of sexual assault after 57 minutes of deliberations.

Assistant Judge Advocate General Robert Hill said: "To convict him, you must be sure there was a sexual purpose to the slaps".

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/30/navy-commander-accused-sexually-assaulting-colleague-cleared/

[Niamh.]

So he actually admitted it and they still cleared him, not surprised

[Nicky91]

this sort of inappropriate behaviour from a respected navy commander, i am shocked honestly

[Crimson Dynamo]

this sort of inappropriate behaviour from a respected navy commander, i am shocked honestly

it was a Christmas party

[Niamh.]

"The slap was hard, not a caress or a grope."

So it was assault then? If he'd slapped her face it would certainly be assault but because it's her ass, it's neither assault nor sexual assault? why is that? They're basically saying a man has a right to slap a woman on the arse again, whether she's ok with it or not

[Crimson Dynamo]

"The slap was hard, not a caress or a grope."

So it was assault then? If he'd slapped her face it would certainly be assault but because it's her ass, it's neither assault nor sexual assault? why is that? They're basically saying a man has a right to slap a woman on the arse again, whether she's ok with it or not

Neem five senior male officers did look at this and cleared the man and their remit was sexual assault only, this was not a court

[joeysteele]

"The slap was hard, not a caress or a grope."

So it was assault then? If he'd slapped her face it would certainly be assault but because it's her ass, it's neither assault nor sexual assault? why is that? They're basically saying a man has a right to slap a woman on the arse again, whether she's ok with it or not

That's what this result seems to boil down to.
Sadly.

[user104658]

"Cleared" seems ridiculous. In this case, I actually don't think he should lose his career over this incident and it frankly isn't sexual assault... however... it is deeply inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour - from anyone, let alone someone in a position of power, let alone alone someone in a position of power in something like the military which has or should have strict conduct rules.

So whilst, again, I don't think he should lose his career over this... he should, at the very least, have it on his record and also be made to attend some mandatory training on what is and isn't acceptable conduct? Just saying "nah it's fine" seems totally bizarre.

[Livia]

What an idiot. But he shouldn't lose his whole career because of one stupid, drunken incident. Women shouldn't expect to have their arse slapped, had it been me I'd have lamped the ****er... but I wouldn't expect his whole life to be ruined.

Similarly, I've been at I've been at office parties (before I learned they were the worst place in the world to be) where women have grabbed men inappropriately. I've heard older women say outrageously sexual things to younger men... it's not always men who are inappropriate.

[user104658]

I've heard older women say outrageously sexual things to younger men... it's not always men who are inappropriate.

Older women can be utterly filthy :umm2:... they come to me for their Irish Lottery lucky dips... and a bit of smut :(

[Niamh.]

"Cleared" seems ridiculous. In this case, I actually don't think he should lose his career over this incident and it frankly isn't sexual assault... however... it is deeply inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour - from anyone, let alone someone in a position of power, let alone alone someone in a position of power in something like the military which has or should have strict conduct rules.

So whilst, again, I don't think he should lose his career over this... he should, at the very least, have it on his record and also be made to attend some mandatory training on what is and isn't acceptable conduct? Just saying "nah it's fine" seems totally bizarre.

Yeah agree with this. I mean what kind of precedent is it setting? It's fine now to go round doing that?

[Greg!]

A mess.

[Greg!]

He's quite obese for someone senior in the armed forces. Should maybe be sacked for that instead

[Nicky91]

He's quite obese for someone senior in the armed forces. Should maybe be sacked for that instead

navy commanders aren't directly into warzones, but from the command centre of their ships, giving orders so also practically having others there either to do the work for them

it's a more mentally stressful job rather than physical stressful, when for the soldiers it's both mentally and physically stressful, who you often hear suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)

[arista]

At least there was no rape

[Niamh.]

At least there was no rape

That's probably not a good punishment for the guy tbf Arista

[user104658]

At least there was no rape

I don't think we can start assessing crimes and misdemeanours based on the fact that there are other worse ones, Arista... "Oh you only murdered 3 people? Well at least you didn't commit genocide! Off home now and don't do anything so silly again."