Former police officer convicted for violent offences against women

A former Police Scotland officer has been convicted for a series of abusive and violent offences against women.

Christopher Ferguson, 31, was found guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Thursday for offences against several women in the Lanarkshire region.

Ferguson was first arrested and charged in 2021 following a complaint against him which sparked a police probe.

Police Scotland said he was suspended immediately.

He is due to be sentenced on Thursday, July 11.

Assistant chief constable Stuart Houston said: “My thoughts are with those who survived the appalling abuse by Christopher Ferguson and I hope this conviction provides them with some measure of closure. I commend their strength in reporting these crimes and bringing him to justice.

“We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer, but I want the public to be reassured that all reports are thoroughly investigated, no matter when the offending took place or who is involved.

“It is right that policing is held to high standards at all times and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart. The onus is on policing to build and maintain public confidence and consent which is critical in our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.

“Criminality or misconduct by officers or staff damages public confidence and there is no place in policing for those who do not uphold our values.”