Shropshire cadet sergeant, 59, sexually assaulted teenager at camp, court told
An army cadet sergeant inappropriately touched and kissed a teenage cadet during a residential camp, a court has heard.
William Christopher Farrell was 59 when the four alleged sexual assaults took place in May 2016.
At the opening of his trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court, prosecutor Sati Ruck told the jury that Farrell’s behaviour only came to light when another cadet reported her concerns to officials.
Ms Ruck said the first incident involved the defendant kissing the girl on the cheek shortly after they arrived at Nesscliffe Training Camp for the weekend. The following day he is alleged to have touched her lower back and bottom during a training exercise.
On the third day, the girl asked if she could go to the shop and Farrell gestured that she should kiss him on the cheek before he would let her go. Ms Ruck said when the girl leaned in to kiss his cheek, he deliberately turned his head so their lips made contact.
The fourth incident was a week after the camp. The girl reported she was sitting in a car after another training exercise with three male cadets in the back seats, when Farrell approached the vehicle and spoke to them.
Ms Ruck said Farrell touched the girl despite her repeatedly asking him to stop.
Farrell was suspended on May 26, 2016, while an investigation took place. After this the alleged victim confided in an adult and the police were contacted.
During a police interview in September 2016, Farrell “admitted he would greet the cadets by hugging the boys and kissing the girls,” said Ms Ruck. He denied this was ever sexual, and also denied touching the girl during the training exercise or in the car.
Ms Ruck said: “The defendant denies that most of the incidents even happened, despite the fact that there are a number of witnesses, who have no reason to lie, who say they did happen.
“In what circumstances does a 59-year-old cadet sergeant believe he has the consent of a teenage cadet to touch her inappropriately? It is not consent when a person in a position of authority imposes himself.”
Farrell denies the charges. The trial continues.
