A Royal Marines captain is currently being tried at Bournemouth Crown Court for alleged offenses including rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault following an incident that occurred in the early hours of November 24, 2023. The court heard that the defendant, Ricky Shepherd, 47, is accused of raping a woman at a military base despite her repeated objections.
According to the prosecution, the defendant and the complainant met at an officers’ mess bar at a military base in Dorset where she had been socializing. After informing Shepherd that she intended to sleep on a sofa in the mess, the complainant received messages from him, including an invitation to stay in his bed. Despite expressing her desire to sleep, the complainant found herself in a situation where the defendant allegedly made unwanted sexual advances towards her.
The prosecutor detailed how Shepherd allegedly persisted in his efforts despite the complainant repeatedly stating that she did not want to engage in any sexual activity. The court was told that the defendant ignored the woman’s objections and continued his advances, even resorting to physical force. The complainant reported feeling pressured and uncomfortable throughout the ordeal.
Following the incident, the complainant confided in two individuals and later sought assistance at a sexual assault referral center, where evidence of bruising was documented. Subsequently, she filed a formal complaint with the police in January 2024. Despite the allegations, Shepherd maintains that the encounter was consensual and suggests that the complainant may have fabricated the accusations due to embarrassment.
The trial is ongoing, with the defendant denying all charges. Shepherd, who was stationed at Hamworthy, Poole at the time of the alleged incident, faces a legal process that will determine the outcome of the case.
