A police officer in Scotland, David McQuade, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a junior colleague while on duty at Glenrothes police station in October 2022. Despite the conviction, McQuade, who has been suspended since the complaint was made over two years ago, has continued to receive his £48,000 annual salary, totalling over £100,000, without performing any police work during this period.
The court heard that McQuade pressured the woman into having sex, kissed her on her face and neck, touched her inappropriately, and attempted to undo her trousers during the incident on October 7, 2022. He was found guilty at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on December 16 and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register. McQuade is set to be sentenced next month and will undergo an internal police misconduct probe that may result in his dismissal.
Scottish Labour Justice spokeswoman Pauline McNeill and Scottish Conservative shadow minister for victims Sharon Dowey condemned McQuade’s actions, highlighting the need for urgent action in cases of serious offences like sexual assault within the police force. McQuade’s case adds to concerns raised by the recent revelation of another officer, Peter Fleming, who pleaded guilty to indecently communicating with female colleagues while on duty in Rothesay.
The incidents involving McQuade and Fleming have underscored ongoing issues of sexism and misogyny within Police Scotland, as highlighted in a report by the Independent Review Group. The report found pervasive sexist attitudes that hinder women officers’ career progression and create a hostile environment. With a higher number of male officers compared to female officers in the force, efforts to address and eradicate such attitudes are essential.
In response to McQuade’s conviction, Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison emphasised the importance of upholding high standards of professional behaviour within the police force. She commended the victim for coming forward and seeking justice, noting the difficulty in reporting crimes of this nature. The case of McQuade serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to promote a supportive work environment free from discrimination and misconduct within the police force.
The revelations surrounding McQuade and Fleming’s misconduct highlight the imperative of addressing deep-rooted issues of sexism and misconduct within law enforcement agencies. It is crucial for authorities to take firm action to ensure accountability, uphold integrity, and foster a safe and respectful workplace environment for all members of the police force.