Former Police Scotland sergeant Campbell Petrie, 50, has launched a legal bid to have his conviction overturned after being jailed for rapes and sexual attacks against two women.
Petrie was found guilty in September of multiple offences committed between 2006 and 2022 while he was a serving officer with Police Scotland. At the High Court in Glasgow last month, he was handed an extended sentence of 15 years, with a custodial part of 12 years.
Offences and sentencing
The charges included rape and indecent assault. Sentencing him, Judge Alistair Watson said Petrie's offences, which took place in Glasgow, had caused "deep and enduring psychological harm" to the two women who were his victims.
The Crown Office has confirmed that Petrie has now lodged an intimation of intention to appeal against both his conviction and sentence. A note of appeal, containing a full statement setting out the grounds, is due to be submitted to the courts by December 22.
Background and defence
Petrie was arrested, charged, and suspended from duty in December 2023. He retired from Police Scotland in December 2025.
During sentencing, the judge told him: "The gravity of this kind of sustained criminal conduct cannot be overstated." Judge Watson said it was "disappointing" that Petrie continues to deny his responsibility, adding that the two women had provided the court with moving accounts of their trauma and had suffered "deep and enduring psychological harm". He continued: "It was obvious at trial that each of them still suffers enduring pain as a result of what you have done to them."
Defending Petrie, Edith Forrest KC, said his only previous conviction was for a minor speeding offence. She said: "During his time with Police Scotland, he attained the rank of sergeant before retiring. He occupied positions of considerable responsibility and received commendations in connection with his service."
The defence KC said he was still in a supportive relationship, telling the court: "There remains scope for Mr Petrie to make positive changes in his life." She urged the judge to take account of his "personal circumstances and previous good character".
Police response
After the sentencing, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: "Petrie committed a series of severely abusive, exploitative and violent crimes towards women. His offending is in stark contrast to the professionalism and commitment of the officers who investigated him and ultimately helped bring him to justice."
He added: "His victims have displayed great courage in reporting these matters, and our thoughts are very much with them today. I hope this sentence brings them some closure and comfort. This investigation shows the public that when matters of this nature are reported to us – regardless of who the perpetrator is – that victims are listened to and supported as we take immediate action to identify and investigate those responsible."
Earlier, Detective Superintendent Adam Brown, of Police Scotland, said: "Violence against women and girls is an absolute priority for Police Scotland and we will relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of these crimes. Our thoughts are very much with the victims in this case and I commend their strength in reporting these crimes and bringing Campbell Petrie to justice."
He added: "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."
