Police Officer Promoted After Sex Attack Allegations, Sparking Outrage

A police officer who was convicted of nine charges, including rape and assault, was promoted within Police Scotland after his initial arrest for alleged sex crimes in 2009, it has emerged. Campbell Petrie, 50, carried out sexual abuse and physical assaults on two women between 2006 and 2022. He was promoted to sergeant in 2022 and retired from the force last year, shortly before his conviction this week.

Fierce Criticism Over Vetting Standards

The case has ignited fierce criticism of Police Scotland's vetting and internal review processes, drawing parallels to the earlier case of another officer, Alan Greer, who died by suicide in May after being arrested for sex attacks.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr stated, "Two former Police Scotland officers; two appalling cases. The public are entitled to ask whether Police Scotland has properly learned the lessons from these failures. The central question is what was known, when it was known, and why action was not taken sooner."

Kerr added that an independent review, promised in light of the Greer case, "must expose the full truth and establish whether there are wider failings within the force. Anything less will look like an institution protecting itself rather than confronting its failures."

Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill commented, "These are reprehensible crimes, and it is right that any and all allegations within Police Scotland are fully investigated."

Justice Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the disturbing nature of the case, stating, "This is an extremely disturbing case and my thoughts are with the victims. Police officers are rightly expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, which is why we have strengthened vetting through legislation and Police Scotland have been clear there is an ongoing programme of work to re-vet all officers."

Details of Petrie's Crimes

During his trial at the High Court in Glasgow, sickening details of Petrie's crimes emerged. He was convicted of two counts of rape, indecent assault, assault with intent to rape, and assault to injury and danger of life. Prosecutors detailed how he targeted one victim while she slept and took advantage of another when she was unable to consent due to alcohol consumption.

Petrie had denied the charges, claiming he was "absolutely humiliated." Jurors heard how he met one victim through their work in the police force and became controlling, making comments about her weight and attempting to isolate her from friends. He was also accused of hounding her at a friend's home and warned her he would harm her if she left him.

Another victim described Petrie's "lovebombing" behavior after they met at a supermarket. She later reported he became abusive, calling her names and expressing a desire for her to be a "skinny blonde." Evidence was presented of Petrie becoming aggressive in public settings and denying putting his hands around her throat.

Petrie was initially arrested around 2009 following allegations by one of the women. He was held for several hours before being released, and it is not yet clear why he was not prosecuted at that time. He remained in the force and was promoted before a second arrest in December 2023 led to his eventual conviction. Petrie retired from Police Scotland in December 2025, having worked in a friend's sports shop. He faces sentencing next month and was remanded in custody. The Scottish Police Authority may seek to remove the publicly contributed part of his pension.