A serving police officer has been convicted of numerous sexual offences at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Carmichael John Williamson, 32, was found guilty of four charges, including three of assault and rape, which took place in the Shetland area between 2014 and 2022.
Investigation and suspension
In December 2023, officers first received a report of offences which happened between 2020 and 2022, while Williamson was a serving officer.
According to Police Scotland, further offences were reported during the course of the investigation, which happened between 2014 and 2015, while he served as a special constable.
Williamson was arrested, charged, and suspended from duty on January 10 2024.
Police response
“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,” Detective Superintendent Stevie Bertram, of Police Scotland’s public protection unit, said.
“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.”
As reports of violence against women and girls are on the rise, Mr Bertram said it is of “utmost importance” for Police Scotland to play its part in tackling the crisis.
“We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer,” he said.
“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.
Mr Bertram added: “We are absolutely committed to rooting individuals who are involved in criminality out of this organisation.”
Sentencing
Williamson has been remanded and is due to be sentenced at the High Court of Edinburgh on December 8.
