Kenniesha Stephens successfully defends Chief Petty Officer on sexual assault charge before Court Martial

Kenniesha Stephens successfully defended a Chief Petty Officer (“CPO”) at a recent Court Martial on a charge of sexual assault.  Kenniesha was instructed by Louise Rodaway at Wessex Solicitors.

Background of the Case

The CPO, a senior Royal Navy Officer with a distinguished career, was charged with sexual assault allegedly occurring at a Naval Base in 2022. It was claimed that after a night out, the CPO pulled a female Sub Lieutenant (SLt) by the arm, pushed her against a wall, and attempted to kiss her. The CPO vehemently denied these allegations, acknowledging only that he had grabbed the SLt by the upper arm to calm her during a tense discussion but firmly denying any attempt to kiss her.

Complicating Factors

This case was further complicated by a history between the parties. Earlier in 2022, while both were posted on the same ship, the Chief Petty Officer, acting as Officer of the Day, had reported the SLt for engaging in inappropriate sexual contact with a junior naval officer. This incident became the focus of the heated conversation between the CPO and the SLt on the night of the alleged assault.

Legal Strategy and Key Evidence

A crucial turning point in the defence was the successful application under Section 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to adduce evidence of the SLt’s prior conduct, including the earlier inappropriate sexual incident with a very junior Naval Officer and a previous attempt by the SLt to kiss the CPO during a night out. Kenniesha Stephens successfully argued that this evidence was central to the defence’s case and that excluding it would prevent the CPO from receiving a fair trial.

Outcome of the Case

After 30 minutes of deliberation, the members of the board returned a verdict of not guilty.

About the Barrister

Kenniesha Stephens was called to the bar in 2015. She is known for her meticulous approach to case preparation and fierce representations in both her oral and written advocacy.

To instruct Kenniesha, contact her clerks, Ryan Bartlett, David Cox or Amie Harris on 020 7404 1881.