ROYAL NAVY PETTY OFFICER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS
The Royal Navy received warnings that it needs to combat the stigma surrounding women reporting abuse, especially after a court case involving Petty Officer Greg Melrose, who committed assaults on a nuclear submarine.A court martial disclosed that three female sailors assaulted by PO Melrose hesitated to speak out out of fear for their safety, citing a culture that could lead to retaliation against those who report misconduct.
One of the victims was informed she would be posted with Melrose during an investigation into his actions.
Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England praised the women for their courage in uniting to disclose their experiences.
Melrose, 32, was sentenced to serve 30 months and was discharged from the Royal Navy at Bulford Military Court.
He was convicted on charges of three sexual assaults and one indecent exposure.
The court found that he had inappropriately touched colleagues without consent and exposed himself by pulling back a shower curtain.
Despite these events, he married his partner of ten years shortly after and remains with her.
He was serving on HMS Audacious, an Astute-class submarine, stationed in the Mediterranean, and held the rank of Leading Hand.
During a shore leave in Cyprus, he was seen at a hotel swimming pool bar with another sailor, where he groped her after she turned away from him.
This was witnessed by another colleague, which initially discouraged her from reporting.
She later decided to come forward after learning about other women’s experiences.
Additionally, Melrose exposed himself to a junior crew member in a submarine shower, which upset her and caused her to move away.
He also took advantage of a situation during a fire-fighting drill to touch a woman’s bottom while they worked closely.
Another victim, a friend of Melrose’s, refused to be around him when under the influence.
She recounted an incident in Crete, where he tried to forcibly kiss her at a social outing, prompting group intervention.
She later sent a message expressing her loyalty to her partner and denying any romantic interest.
All three women came forward despite Melrose’s promotion during this period.
In sentencing, Judge England addressed the Navy’s handling of reporting victims, noting that placing a victim and perpetrator together during investigations could undermine trust.
She highlighted the bravery of the women in reporting, despite a naval culture that was hesitant to support victims.
Although the navy has begun to take steps to change its misogynistic culture, the process remains early.
The judge observed that Melrose’s character references did not fully reveal his conduct, implying he concealed his true nature.
She stated that his misconduct was motivated by a desire for sexual gratification, exploiting his relationships with the victims and showing a lack of remorse.
