A married detective, Samuel Garside, has been found not guilty of charges of sexual assault by penetration towards a woman. The trial took place at Swansea Crown Court, where it was alleged that Garside forced the woman into a doorway and assaulted her while she was on a night out in Aberaeron. The prosecution claimed that the woman pushed Garside away after the incident, questioning his actions, to which he allegedly smirked and walked away.
During the trial, Garside admitted that the sexual act had taken place but claimed that it was consensual. He stated that he and the woman had engaged in flirtatious conversation before the incident occurred. Garside further claimed that the woman made suggestive comments to him, leading to a physical encounter in a doorway. He insisted that the woman did not resist his advances physically and that if she had, he would have stopped immediately.
After the jury heard evidence from both sides, they deliberated for over an hour before reaching a verdict of “not guilty” for the charge of sexual assault by penetration. Following the verdict, Judge Paul Thomas expressed gratitude to the jury for their careful attention throughout the trial. Garside, a detective constable with Dyfed-Powys Police, had been suspended from his duties since the allegation was made in July 2023.
The trial unfolded with testimonies from both Garside and the woman involved in the incident. Garside maintained that the encounter was consensual, while the prosecution argued that the woman had been forced into the situation. The case sparked intense public interest and debate, highlighting important issues around consent and sexual assault.
Throughout the trial, both Garside and the woman provided conflicting testimonies, leading to a challenging decision for the jury. The legal proceedings delved into the details of the night in question, examining the interactions between Garside and the woman to determine the nature of their encounter. The outcome of the trial has significant implications for both Garside and the woman, as well as raising broader questions about the handling of sexual assault cases.
The not guilty verdict has brought a sense of relief to Garside, who can now seek to resume his duties as a detective constable. The woman involved in the case may also find closure, although the emotional impact of the trial and its aftermath is likely to linger. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities of such legal proceedings and the need for a thorough and impartial examination of the evidence presented.