A police officer has been found guilty of raping women, including an underage teenager, in Shetland.
Carmichael John Williamson - known as John Williamson - was convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, October 15. He was found guilty by a jury following a trial, the BBC reports.
Offences spanning several years
The 32-year-old was convicted of having sexual activity with a girl when she was underage in 2014, and raping her between 2014 and 2015.
He also raped a second woman in 2020, and again in 2022 while she was intoxicated and unable to consent.
Defence and trial details
The jury came to their conclusion overnight. Earlier in the trial, Williamson contested his innocence.
He told jurors he did not commit the offences. Giving evidence, he said it was untrue that he had sex with the girl when she was an underage teenager.
Williamson, of Burra, said the earliest point he could remember engaging in sexual intercourse was the day after her 16th birthday. He also said it was not true that he took part in sexual activity with an adult woman outside a community hall during a function in 2022.
Under cross examination by the Crown, he disputed that the women were telling the truth. Williamson has been employed as a police constable for over 10 years.
Sentencing and suspension
As he was handcuffed, Williamson said "I love you" to his partner as he was led away.
Judge John Morris KC described it as an "anxious and distressing" trial.
Williamson is currently suspended from the force.
