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Portsmouth Today
By the People, for the People
Royal Navy Sailor Convicted of Repeated Sexual Assaults on Warship Crew
Able Seaman Sian Dowsett found guilty of groping fellow sailors over two-year period
Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:04am
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A 25-year-old Royal Navy sailor named Sian Dowsett has been convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault for repeatedly groping her fellow crew members, both men and women, while serving aboard the warship HMS Dauntless between 2023 and 2024. Dowsett was found guilty of six out of seven charges of sexual assault following a court martial at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing issues of sexual misconduct and harassment within the UK military, with concerns that such behavior is often underreported due to power dynamics and a perceived lack of consequences. It raises questions about the military's ability to properly address and prevent such incidents from occurring.
The details
Prosecutors told the court that Dowsett subjected four fellow sailors, two men and two women, to a pattern of sexual harassment, including groping male sailors on their crotches, stroking their arms, and making lewd remarks. She also groped female sailors, slapping their buttocks and squeezing their breasts, and made inappropriate comments. Witnesses testified that Dowsett seemed to target new or junior sailors who she thought would be less likely to report her actions.
- The offenses were committed over a two-year period, between 2023 and 2024.
- Dowsett was convicted on March 28, 2026 following a court martial.
The players
Sian Dowsett
A 25-year-old Able Seaman in the Royal Navy who was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault against her fellow crew members while serving aboard the warship HMS Dauntless.
HMS Dauntless
A Type 45 destroyer warship based in Portsmouth where the sexual assaults took place.
What they’re saying
“The defendant is a strong, confident, intimidating personality, moving around the ship, sexually assaulting those she took a fancy to.”
— Graham Coombes, Prosecutor
“She's a bit of a cancer on the ship, to be honest. It's affecting the morale, it's affecting the personal relationship I have with her, so yeah, it's affecting me quite a bit, yeah.”
— Male Sailor
“It is just disrespectful. A lack of respect, really. It is just going to get worse. She is just going to go to another ship and do it again.”
— Male Sailor
What’s next
Dowsett will be sentenced at a later date following her conviction.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing sexual misconduct and harassment within the UK military, where power dynamics and a perceived lack of consequences can lead to underreporting of such incidents. It underscores the need for the Royal Navy and other military branches to strengthen policies, training, and accountability measures to better protect all service members.
