Married detective found not guilty of forcing a woman into a doorway and sexually assaulting her

A married detective has been found not guilty of forcing a woman into a doorway and sexually assaulting her. Dyfed-Powys Police detective constable Samuel Garside, 31, had been on trial charged with sexual assault by penetration in December 2021 while off-duty.

Following the allegation made in July 2023 Garside, of Cwmann near Lampeter, has been suspended from duties with Dyfed-Powys Police.

A trial opened in Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday and heard that Garside allegedly pushed the woman into a doorway and sexually assaulted her while she was on a night out in Aberaeron. The prosecution claimed the woman pushed Garside away and challenged him after the incident, shouting at him: "What the f*** was that about?" before he smirked and walked away.

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During the second day of the trial Garside gave evidence to the jury in which he accepted that the sexual act took place, but claimed it was consensual. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here

In his defence Garside said he and the woman engaged in conversation that turned "flirtatious" shortly before the alleged incident happened. He claimed that during this exchange, the woman made a suggestive comment to him while was adjusting his trousers.

He further claimed that the pair gave each other a "look" before they kissed and engaged in the sexual act for a short time in a doorway. He said following the act the woman made further suggestive comments towards him before they walked away together and engaged in more conversation, this time not flirtatious in nature.

He told Judge Paul Thomas that the woman did not physically resist his advances "whatsoever", and that if she had done so he would have "instantly and immediately stopped". He denied that the woman pushed him away or challenged him following the encounter, claiming the realisation that he had cheated on his wife caused him to pull away.

On Thursday Judge evidence concluded and Judge Thomas sent the jury out to reach a verdict. After more than an hour of deliberations the jury entered a verdict of "not guilty" for the charge of sexual assault by penetration. Thanking the jury for their time, Judge Thomas said: "Thank you very much for your careful attention... Noone, least of all myself, underestimates the degree of responsibility that is put on people you."

Speaking after the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Ifan Charles, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: "This was a serious allegation made against an individual whose job was to safeguard the people of Dyfed-Powys, and as such swift action was taken when the report was made. DC Garside was immediately suspended from duties while a full and thorough investigation was carried out, and today’s verdict brings the criminal justice process to a close.

“It should be noted that the force will now consider whether any formal action needs to be taken from a police officer misconduct perspective in accordance with the statutory framework. While the outcome of the criminal proceedings will clearly be of direct relevance to this assessment, it is important to point out this is an entirely separate consideration.

"DC Garside will remain suspended from duty whilst this assessment is undertaken and any potential return to work will be dependent on the outcome of that assessment”