Navy commander not guilty in court martial over alleged kiss

A senior Royal New Zealand Navy commander, Bronwyn Heslop, has been found not guilty of misconduct following a court martial. The case centered on an alleged incident during an off-duty period while deployed overseas in March 2023.

The Allegation and the Hearing

Heslop was accused of an act likely to prejudice service discipline. Prosecutors alleged she encouraged a junior officer to kiss her on the cheek while socializing ashore in Lautoka, Fiji, following the arrival of HMNZS Canterbury, which was supporting Operation Mahi Tahi. The two-day hearing took place at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland.

Did You Know? Commander Heslop has 36 years of committed service to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Conflicting Accounts

The case hinged on conflicting accounts. The junior officer testified that he felt encouraged to kiss Heslop and described the moment as “shocking.” He initially hesitated to report the incident, fearing it could negatively impact his career. However, during cross-examination, he admitted to inconsistencies in his recollection, acknowledging he had been drinking, made mistakes in recalling details, and initially lied to Military Police in 2024. He stated he later came forward after discussing the incident with a psychologist.

Heslop testified, denying the allegation and stating she did not encourage the kiss. She stated she had no recollection of the specific interaction and that greetings like a kiss on the cheek were common and culturally normal in social settings. A third witness, a senior officer present that evening, corroborated this, stating he observed nothing inappropriate.

The Verdict and Aftermath

The military panel unanimously found Heslop not guilty. Following the verdict, interim suppression orders were lifted, allowing her name to be publicly released. Heslop’s lawyer, Matthew Hague, stated the decision vindicated her position and questioned the Defence Force’s decision to bring the charges.

Expert Insight: Cases involving allegations of misconduct within the military often present challenges in establishing clear evidence, particularly when relying on witness testimony and recollections of events that occurred during off-duty hours. The emphasis on proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, as highlighted by Judge Hastings, underscores the high legal standard applied in such proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Operation Mahi Tahi?

Operation Mahi Tahi is a deployment that HMNZS Canterbury was supporting in March 2023 when the alleged incident occurred.

Where did the alleged incident take place?

The alleged incident occurred while ship’s company were ashore in Lautoka, Fiji, socializing at a civilian bar.

Did the junior officer immediately report the incident?

No, the junior officer did not initially report the incident, stating he feared it could affect his career and future deployments.

What factors might influence the Defence Force’s future approach to similar allegations?