Sailor who sexually assaulted and raped a woman on Royal Navy ship.

Sailor Jailed for Six Years for Rape and Sexual Assault on Royal Navy Ship

James Carnegie, 33, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary Motorman, has been sentenced to six years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a woman on a Royal Navy ship in international waters.

Carnegie was found guilty by a jury at Truro Crown Court after the incident occurred in 2021 while the vessel was returning to Cornwall from overseas. The victim reported that Carnegie initially sexually assaulted her and then later raped her, physically forcing himself on her despite her explicit refusal.

Carnegie denied the offenses, claiming in a police interview that the interactions had been consensual, a claim the victim vehemently refuted. He has been added to the sex offenders register for life.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nick Williams expressed gratitude to the victim for coming forward, stating, "First and foremost, I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and reporting this horrendous crime, so that we could investigate and bring the offender to justice. I hope that the sentence given by the judge will help to bring some level of closure and also serve as reassurance to other victims of sexual offences that we fully and thoroughly investigate reports and take action. Carnegie brazenly denied the offences, but the jury returned a guilty verdict after their deliberation."

District Crown Prosecutor Suzanna Butler commended the victim's courage in speaking out, saying, "The victim in this case has shown immense courage in speaking out against the perpetrator of these awful crimes and supporting the prosecution. I am very pleased that we were able to deliver justice for the victim. We want every victim of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to report abuse, in the knowledge that support is available and that the police and CPS are committed to securing justice."