Former Royal Navy Officer Imprisoned for Sexual Offences Against Female Colleagues
A former Royal Navy petty officer has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for sexually assaulting three female colleagues aboard a nuclear submarine, with the military court strongly criticising the service's "misogynistic culture".
Systematic Abuse Aboard HMS Audacious
Petty Officer Greg Melrose, 32, committed multiple sexual offences while serving as a Leading Hand on HMS Audacious during Mediterranean deployments. The Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire heard disturbing details of his predatory behaviour toward junior female sailors.
During shore leave at a Cyprus hotel, Melrose assaulted one colleague by putting his hand down the back of her swimming costume, reaching her buttocks and vagina area. Another sailor witnessed this incident but initially failed to report it, only coming forward after learning of additional allegations.
Shocking Shower Incident and Further Assaults
In perhaps the most brazen offence, Melrose exposed himself to a junior colleague in the submarine's showers, pushing his erect penis through the shower curtain while she was washing. The victim described being "shocked and upset" as she retreated to the far corner of the cubicle.
During a separate fire-fighting drill aboard the submarine, Melrose took advantage of required close contact to touch another woman's bottom when other crew members weren't looking. The victim had previously attempted to maintain distance from him due to his inappropriate conduct.
Forced Kissing and Inappropriate Messages
A third victim, who considered herself Melrose's friend, described avoiding him when he was intoxicated due to his past behaviour. Following a social event at a Crete strip club, where colleagues had to carry the drunken Melrose back to their hotel, he forcibly tried to kiss her during the journey.
The next morning, Melrose sent an inappropriate message apologising while simultaneously expressing disappointment they hadn't woken up together. The colleague firmly rejected his advances, stating her loyalty to her partner and that "nothing will ever happen, drink or no drink."
Navy Culture Criticised by Judge
Assistant Judge Advocate General Jane England delivered scathing criticism of the Royal Navy's handling of the case, noting the service had stationed one victim with Melrose while investigating her allegations against him. The woman felt unprotected by the Navy and subsequently missed officer training while working from home.
Judge England highlighted how all three victims feared reporting the incidents due to discrimination against women and a culture where complainants become targets. One victim stated: "It's hard enough being female on a submarine. You try to keep your head down and not draw attention to yourself. By saying something you make yourself a target."
The judge praised the women's courage in coming forward, noting they wanted to stop Melrose and call out problematic behaviour within the Royal Navy. She acknowledged recent steps taken by the Navy to address its misogynistic culture but described these efforts as "encouraging but still embryonic."
Sentencing and Aftermath
Melrose was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent exposure. Despite character references speaking highly of him, Judge England suggested these individuals "don't know you as well as they think" and that Melrose had hidden this predatory aspect of his personality.
The judge determined Melrose's motivation was sexual gratification rather than alcohol influence, describing his conduct as "utterly disgraceful" and noting he had used friendships with two victims to prey on them. Melrose showed little responsibility for his offences during proceedings.
Remarkably, Melrose married his long-term partner weeks after committing these crimes, and they remain together. He has been dismissed from the Royal Navy following nine years of service.
Submarine Background
HMS Audacious forms part of the Navy's Astute Class nuclear-powered submarine fleet, launched in April 2017 after construction in Barrow-in-Furness. These vessels perform covert intelligence gathering and strategic strike missions, operating with small, close-knit crews where professional conduct is paramount.
The case has highlighted significant cultural challenges within submarine service environments, where women sailors reported facing stigma when reporting abuse and discrimination during their duties.
