Former Police Officer Sentenced to 12 Years for Rape and Abuse of Two Women

Campbell Petrie, a former sergeant with Police Scotland, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping two women and committing other sexual and physical offenses over a 17-year period. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Glasgow.

Petrie faced eight charges in total, including four counts of rape, with the offenses occurring in Scotland between 2006 and 2023. He denied all allegations against him. Judge Alistair Watson noted that the sentence reflects the seriousness and persistence of Petrie’s actions, which have caused lasting psychological harm to both victims.

After serving his time, Petrie will be monitored in the community for an additional three years and will be placed on the sex offenders register. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs described Petrie’s actions as severely abusive and exploitative towards women.

Judge Watson praised the courage of the victims, who provided powerful testimonies during the trial. He acknowledged the enduring pain they continue to experience due to Petrie’s actions.

Concerns about Petrie’s behavior first arose in 2009 when one of the women reported him for threatening behavior. Although he was detained briefly, no further action was taken due to a lack of evidence. A full investigation only began in 2023 after a second woman reported a rape allegation.

Petrie’s conviction has raised questions about the vetting procedures within Police Scotland. A recent review failed to uncover prior issues related to him. Following this case, 45 officers have been suspended due to allegations of violence against women and girls, and new regulations will require thousands of officers to undergo fresh vetting checks.

Petrie is the fourth former or current Police Scotland officer convicted of rape in recent months, highlighting ongoing concerns about how the force handles allegations of sexual violence.