A former Police Scotland officer who drugged and raped a woman and abused another for several years has been jailed for seven years. Derek McNee, 42, committed the offences against two women in the Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire areas between 2021 and 2025.
Offences uncovered on mobile phone
McNee, who resigned from Police Scotland in 2016, admitted to raping one woman several times after giving her drugs that caused her to lose consciousness. His crimes came to light when police seized his mobile phone during an unrelated enquiry and found four videos showing him carrying out sexual acts on the unconscious victim.
He also admitted to subjecting a second woman to abusive behaviour over a five-year period. McNee pleaded guilty to the charges, as well as to possession of an electronic stun gun, on Wednesday, September 2, and returned to the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, November 2 for sentencing.
Sentencing and judge's remarks
The custodial term was set at seven years, with an 18-month extension period. He was also made the subject of a non-harassment order against both women and will be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
In sentencing remarks published online, Judge Young told McNee: "This criminal behaviour came to light when the police seized your mobile phone in connection with other matters. Police found four of these videos on your phone. The acts that are shown in the videos and narrated in the charge amount to rape and to sexual assault."
He also told McNee: "As you recognise, there can be no free agreement when someone is incapable to give consent." Referring to the victim impact statement of the woman McNee drugged and raped, the judge added: "There can be no doubt that the complainer describes her misery at the time of these events. She has also described, very fully, severe psychological and practical consequences of these events. Some of these continue to affect her life to a significant extent to this day."
Prosecutor and police response
Procurator fiscal Faye Cook, of the Crown Office of Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: "Derek McNee subjected two women to serious abuse and exploitation. He used drugs to facilitate the rape of one woman, rendering her incapable of consenting to sexual activity. He also subjected another woman to controlling, abusive and degrading behaviour.
"These offences had a profound impact on both victims, who should have been safe in his company. His conviction reflects the courage of the women who felt able to report their experiences, enabling prosecutors to seek justice on their behalf.
"COPFS is committed to listening and responding to such reports and holding perpetrators to account. Prosecuting offenders such as McNee helps make Scotland a safer place for all."
Detective Inspector Mairi MacDonald said: "Derek McNee subjected these women to horrific abuse, and I would like to commend their courage in coming forward and speaking to us.
"They played an instrumental role in bringing this despicable individual to justice and I hope this outcome provides them with some closure and comfort.
"Police Scotland does not tolerate violence or sexual abuse in any form, and I hope this outcome gives other victims the confidence to come forward and make a report to us.
"We are here to listen and to help, and our specially trained officers will support you throughout the process, alongside our partner agencies."
