Sailor convicted of rape at sea

RFA ship was returning to Cornwall

A former engineer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is starting six years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman at sea.  

James Carnegie, 33, of Manston Way, Leeds, told police his interactions with his victim were consensual and had denied the offences at Truro Crown Court.

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 ship 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.

When he is released from prison, Mr Carnegie, who was a 'motorman' on the ship - a senior role in the engine room - will have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

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. 

• 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