Rapist police officer was first arrested and released 17 years ago

Police Scotland said they regarded violence against women and girls, which has become the subject of major public concern and a renewed political focus, as an “absolute priority”.

Deputy chief constable Smith praised Petrie’s second victim for coming forward in 2023 and noted that her evidence helped the force identify his previous offending.

She said: “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.”

That was echoed by the Scottish Police Federation, which represents officers up to the rank of chief inspector.

The federation’s chair David Threadgold said: “I will never try to hide from the fact that these are shocking cases and the public are quite rightly asking if they can have confidence in the police.

“But the very fact that these individuals have been identified, investigated and taken through the judicial process, should provide reassurance.”