A serving Police Scotland officer has been convicted of three rapes and a further sexual offence following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Carmichael John Williamson, 32, was found guilty on Thursday 15 October of four charges involving offences committed in Shetland between 2014 and 2022, including crimes carried out while he was serving as a police officer.
The convictions relate to offences against an adult woman and a teenage girl, with the earliest incidents dating back to Williamson’s time as a special constable.
The court heard that Williamson committed two rapes against an adult woman in 2020 and 2022, while another rape and an offence involving sexual activity with an underage girl occurred during the earlier period.
Williamson had denied the charges during his trial, but the jury returned guilty verdicts on all four counts.
Police Scotland first received a report in December 2023 concerning offences committed between 2020 and 2022, when Williamson was serving as a police officer.
As officers investigated those allegations, further offences dating from 2014 and 2015 were reported.
At that time, Williamson had been serving as a special constable.
He was arrested, charged and suspended from duty on 10 January 2024.
Following his conviction, Williamson was remanded in custody and is due to return to the High Court in Edinburgh for sentencing on Tuesday 8 December.
Detective Superintendent Stevie Bertram, of Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit, praised the women who came forward and acknowledged the additional difficulties victims can face when reporting crimes committed by police officers.
He said:
“Reports of violence against women and girls are rising and it is of the utmost importance for Police Scotland to play its part in tackling this national emergency.
“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.”
The case raises serious questions about the trust placed in those responsible for upholding the law, particularly when offences are committed by someone serving within the police.
Police Scotland has emphasised that officers who commit criminal offences will be investigated regardless of their rank, employment status or whether the crimes take place while they are on duty.
The force has also stressed the importance of ensuring that victims feel able to report sexual violence, including when the person responsible holds a position of authority.
Williamson remains suspended from duty and in custody pending sentencing.
The court’s verdict brings the criminal trial to a conclusion, with sentencing now scheduled for December.
