Man sentenced for rape
A former Motorman in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary has been sentenced at Truro Crown Court today [27 October] for raping a woman on a ship at sea.
James Carnegie, aged 33, from Leeds, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault by a jury.
The offences occurred in 2021 when a ship he was working on was in international waters. Devon and Cornwall Police investigated the incident as the RFA vessel was returning to Cornwall from overseas.
The victim reported that he had first sexually assaulted her and then later raped her, physically forcing himself on her when she had explicitly not consented.
Carnegie denied the offences and in interview told police their interactions were consensual. He denied the offences but was found guilty of all charges by the jury.
He appeared at court today where the judge sentenced him to six years and will sign the sex offenders register for life.
Officer in the Case, Detective Sergeant Nick Williams said: “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.”
DS Williams added: “Carnegie brazenly denied the offences, but the jury returned a guilty verdict after their deliberation.”
District Crown Prosecutor Suzanna Butler, from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “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.”
If you’ve been affected by anything in this news article, support is available. Please contact the police via our website or by calling 101. Alternatively, advice and support are also offered by our partner agencies:
First light Helpline 0300 777 4777
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
More: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version
