A former police officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of raping two women and subjecting a third to prolonged abuse. Cameron Ross, 39, denied guilt throughout the trial.
The incidents occurred in the Stornoway area of the Isle of Lewis and Inverness. Ross assaulted one woman in 2012, kissing her, touching her body, and raping her. A second woman was assaulted in June 2014, where he restrained her and carried out a serious sexual assault.
Between October 2019 and June 2022, Ross subjected a third woman to abusive behavior in Inverness. This included pushing and pulling her, seizing her by the body and hair, throwing her to the ground, twisting her arm, brandishing a knife, shouting threats, punching her, gripping her throat, and restricting her breathing. He also behaved aggressively and attempted to pervert the course of justice by trying to speak with a witness.
Ross, who had no previous convictions, was found guilty of all charges by a jury. He was suspended from duty in June 2022 and resigned from Police Scotland earlier this month. Following the sentencing, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life.
During sentencing, Judge Alison Stirling stated that due to the serious nature of the offenses, custody was the only appropriate sentence. The 10-year sentence was imposed for punishment, deterrence, and to express society's disapproval. Ross's defense maintained his innocence, acknowledging the jury's verdict but not accepting it.
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, highlighted that Ross's actions were deliberate and repeated acts of abuse over a decade, causing significant harm. She noted that as a police officer, he was in a position of trust and instead chose to break the law in a serious and persistent manner.
Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison of Police Scotland stated that Ross's conviction was for repeated sexual abuse and that the force would have pursued gross misconduct proceedings and dismissal had he not resigned, as such behavior is not tolerated.