Two Strathclyde Police officers face losing their careers after being fined at Hamilton Sheriff Court for making up charges against two students. Neil Jones and Andrew MacRobert were convicted of falsely accusing the men for breach of the peace.
It all started in Bothwell a couple of years ago. The officers claimed law student Wiliam Reid and his friend Callum McCaig had been shouting and swearing in the town's main street after a night out. They were charged with breach of the peace. However, afterwards, one of the accused launched a complaint and a sheriff agreed that the charges had been made up.
Thirty-five-year-old Neil Jones and 28-year-old Andrew MacRobert worked for the Hamilton Division, but were suspended two years ago. They continue to deny bringing false charges against the 22-year-olds. In court today, their defence lawyers asked for leniency.
Sentencing the pair, Sheriff Rae Small said the fact they were young promising officers made this case all the more unfortunate. He said the harm which this has done to the Strathclyde Force is immeasurable. However, he did not believe a custodial sentence was in the interests of the public and instead gave them both a fine.
Jones was fined £2,000, while MacRobert was told to pay £1,250. Those who have worked with the falsely accused law student say todays result is a triumph.
Solicitor Nicholas Scullion said: "It's very unusual for people to go against what the police have said especially when it's two against one. The message this sends out is when something happens like this, when you're accused falsely of doing something by the police, you should report it. You should follow it up. He was under a lot of pressure to drop this case, but he didn't and he pursued it and ultimatly he's been found to be correct. I think it sends out a very positive message."
A date for a disciplinary hearing will be set over the next two weeks where the officers fates will be decided. But it is almost certain they will be soon looking for new careers.
Source: STV News