BRAIN GREENSLADE'S DARK SECRETS REVEALED IN BARNSTAPLE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Barnstaple and the wider Devon region, Brian Greenslade, a former leader of Devon County Council, has been convicted and sentenced for multiple sexual offenses spanning over a decade. The 72-year-old politician, who once held significant influence as the chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Police Authority, was found guilty of sexually assaulting three women, with incidents dating back to the 1990s and mid-2000s.

Greenslade’s long-standing career in public service was marred by these allegations, which only came to light after the victims courageously stepped forward in 2018. Their testimonies detailed a pattern of predatory behavior that contradicted Greenslade’s public image as a dedicated community leader. The allegations surfaced following a public censure by the Devon County Council, which had previously reprimanded Greenslade for harassment of staff members.

The first incident occurred during a council-related meeting when Greenslade was alone with a female colleague. According to her account, Greenslade suddenly lunged at her, attempting to kiss her and then placing his hand down her trousers despite her efforts to resist. She described her shock and disbelief, recalling how she drove away from the scene in a state of distress. In her victim statement, she expressed feelings of embarrassment, shame, and anger, questioning Greenslade’s sense of entitlement and abuse of his privileged position. She remarked, “He was in a privileged position which he abused. I was completely embarrassed, ashamed and angry. I asked myself why he thought he could do that. This was a period when men had mistresses and men thought they could do as they liked.”

The second woman’s account involved an incident at County Hall during a formal event. Greenslade approached her, engaged her in conversation, and then placed his arm around her, fondling her breast. She told him to stop or she would break his fingers, but she did not report the assault at the time, fearing repercussions. She later reflected on the experience, stating, “It was a shocking experience and still shocks me now. It was only recently I realized I had done nothing wrong and Greenslade had acted outrageously.”

The third victim, who was working as an accountant in the 1990s, recounted an incident where Greenslade stood behind her in an office and reached over to grab her breast. She described feeling sick, shaking, and terrified during the assault. The trauma of reliving the event in court triggered a panic attack, and she expressed regret for not reporting the incident sooner. Her testimony highlighted Greenslade’s inability to control himself around women, a trait that had persisted over many years.

Following a trial, the jury found Greenslade guilty of two counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault. The judge, Timothy Rose, sentenced him to 16 months in prison, emphasizing that Greenslade had exploited his authority and status when committing these offenses. In his sentencing remarks, Judge Rose acknowledged Greenslade’s long service to the Devon community but condemned his dark side, stating, “It seems to me throughout a large part of that period you had a dark side to you that you couldn’t control yourself in the presence of women.”

Greenslade, who resides in Marwood, Barnstaple, was taken into custody immediately after the verdict. His case has brought to light the troubling issue of abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and justice for victims of sexual misconduct.