By Charlotte Webster-
The shocking news of a Detective Constable from Wales charged with sexual assault by penetration has sparked a lot of conversation.
Sam Garside, based in the Ceredigion division was suspended from duties since July 2023 when the offence committed while off duty in December 2021 was brought to light.
The 30-year-old will appear at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on March 6. The serious allegation adds to the spate of several other allegations against police officers made worse by the many others convicted of criminal offences in the UK.
Suspects in criminal cases are charged when the Crown Prosecution Service believes there is a realistic chance of a conviction in court.
Acquittals in all types of cases still happen, so the presumption of innocent until proven guilty remains the legal right of every defendant.
Senior investigating officer Huw Davies said: “This is a serious allegation, and I recognize it will cause concern among our communities.
“I would like to give an assurance that swift action was taken when the allegation was made, and we now await the result of the criminal justice process.
“Legal proceedings are now underway, and it is important to avoid further commentary while this process takes place.”
Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 , sentences for sexual offences are punishable by imprisonment.