Former police officer jailed for 12 years after raping two women in series of assaults
Conviction and sentence
Petrie, a former police sergeant, denied the allegations. In September, the High Court in Glasgow found him guilty of eight charges involving sexual and physical assaults against two women, including four counts of rape.
He received a 12-year prison sentence and will face supervision and monitoring in the community for a further three years after release. The court also placed him on the sex offenders register.
The judge said the women described trauma and enduring psychological harm. He said Petrie posed a risk of significant harm to the public, particularly women he might encounter in future.
Investigation and victims
Petrie was first arrested in 2009 after a victim accused him of threatening behaviour. A second woman accused him of rape in 2023, prompting an investigation by specialist sexual crime officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs described Petrie’s crimes as severely abusive, exploitative and violent. He praised the victims’ courage in reporting him and said he hoped the sentence would bring them closure and comfort.
Wider checks in Scotland
Petrie’s conviction renewed questions about background checks on police in Scotland. Officers and staff were checked against the national police database to identify any criminal past that might have been missed.
Key points
- Petrie was jailed for 12 years for offences against two women, including four rapes.
- He will be monitored in the community for three years after release and is on the sex offenders register.
- The conviction has prompted renewed questions about police background checks in Scotland.
- Forty-five serving officers are suspended over alleged violence against women and girls.