UPDATE: The trial of Ben Basden, a Kent Police officer accused of sexual assault against two female colleagues, commenced today in Maidstone Crown Court. The allegations, stemming from incidents in 2022, include claims of inappropriate touching and “flirty” behavior that made the victims feel “uncomfortable.”
Prosecutor Steven Attridge told the jury that the testimonies from both women were “unerringly” similar, detailing a series of inappropriate encounters while on duty. Basden, who describes himself as “tactile,” faces four counts of sexual assault and claims his actions were merely “messing around” and part of a joke.
The court heard shocking accounts of the alleged assaults. One complainant described how Basden would squeeze her leg and grab her waist while they were engaged in police work. On another occasion, she recounted that he pressed his groin against her and touched her bottom, leaving her feeling “acutely uncomfortable.”
Another victim reported similar experiences, including being groped while in police vehicles and standing too close to Basden during work. The prosecutor revealed that CCTV footage from the police station captured one incident where Basden slid his hand up the woman’s thigh before she pushed him away.
Throughout the trial, Basden maintained that his behavior was misinterpreted and insisted he had only touched the women while joking. “I was just being tactile,” he claimed during police interviews conducted after the allegations emerged.
The emotional impact of the case was evident as the prosecutor emphasized that the women felt compelled to remain silent about their experiences, fearing they would not be believed due to Basden’s popularity within the department.
As the jury deliberates on the evidence presented, the trial is expected to reveal more about the dynamics of workplace behavior within law enforcement. This case raises critical questions about accountability and the treatment of women in male-dominated fields.
The trial continues, with the jury now tasked with determining the credibility of the allegations against Basden. The outcome could have lasting implications for the Kent Police force and its handling of sexual misconduct allegations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
