A police officer in Scotland has been fined £900 after being found guilty of assaulting a suspect. Dundee Sheriff Court heard that the officers who provided evidence against PC Jamie Soutar are now under investigation for perjury. The two officers, who have been suspended, are being probed by Professional Standards amid allegations of perjury and attempting to pervert justice by tampering with evidence.
Soutar’s sentencing was requested to be deferred for three months by his solicitor, Gary McIlravey, to allow the internal investigation to proceed. However, Sheriff John Rafferty refused the deferral and proceeded to fine PC Soutar while commending the two colleagues who bravely came forward to testify against him. Sheriff Rafferty praised the courage of the two officers who stood up against a more senior colleague, stating that without their bravery, the case may not have come to light.
The incident in question took place when Soutar responded to a domestic disturbance call in Cupar, Fife, in September 2022. The victim, Colin Wilson, was handcuffed and held in an arm lock by Soutar, leading to him being pushed and falling to the ground. Witnesses, including PC David Gordon and PC Phoebe Whiteman, contradicted Soutar’s account of the events, stating that the victim was not as aggressive as claimed and that Soutar had pushed him through a door, causing him to fall.
During the trial, various officers provided testimonies that conflicted with Soutar’s version of events. Sheriff Rafferty noted discrepancies in the evidence and ultimately found Soutar guilty of assaulting Mr Wilson. The Sheriff criticised Soutar for his actions, stating that as a police officer, he had a duty of care towards the victim and had breached that trust by his deliberate act of violence.
Following the court proceedings, a Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed that a report would be prepared for the Assistant Chief Constable for Professionalism and Assurance regarding the outcome of the case. The incident highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of law enforcement and the accountability of officers in ensuring justice is served.