‘We will investigate these officers’ – Police Scotland comments on John Williamson guilty verdict

POLICE Scotland said it is “absolutely committed” to removing officers involved in criminality from the organisation following the guilty verdicts against John Williamson.

Williamson was a serving police officer when Police Scotland first received reports of offences in December 2023.

He was also serving as a special constable when he carried out the rape of an underage girl between April 2014 and October 2015.

Williamson was arrested, charged and suspended from duty on 10 January 2024.

The 32-year old, from Burra, had denied four charges against him at Edinburgh High Court, including that he raped an adult woman on two occasions in 2020 and 2022.

However the jury found him guilty of all the charges at the High Court today (Thursday). He will be sentenced on 8 December.

Police officer found guilty of raping two people

Detective Superintendent Stevie Bertram, of Police Scotland’s public protection unit, said they were fully committed to tackling violence against women and girls.

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“It is of the utmost importance for Police Scotland to play its part in tackling this national emergency,” he said.

“Our thoughts are very much with the victims in this case, and I wholeheartedly commend their strength in reporting these crimes. This was the crucial first step in bringing Williamson to justice.

“Williamson will now face the consequences of his actions and today’s outcome should highlight our determination to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators in these investigations. I hope that this outcome may bring some closure to those affected by this case.

“We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer.

“I want to reassure the public we will identify and investigate these officers whether they are serving or retired, or whether their crimes are committed on-duty or, as in this instance, off-duty.

“We are absolutely committed to rooting individuals who are involved in criminality out of this organisation.”