Navy accused of covering up sex assault by senior officer
The Royal Navy has been accused in court of trying to cover up a sexual assault on a sailor by a high-ranking officer to avoid a scandal.
Charles Howeson, 67, who was a lieutenant commander, is on trial accused of several sex attacks, including groping a junior rating on the frigate HMS Cleopatra in 1985.
A jury heard claims that despite complaints made against Howeson he was allowed to carry on in his role, because it would have “looked bad” for the Navy.
His alleged victim, who was in his 20s, said he believed no action was taken because the service wanted to keep it quiet to avoid a “scandal”. Howeson, of Plymouth, Devon, denies 12 sex offences. The case continues.