Scottish domestic abuser cop allowed to quit job to protect pension after trial

A Scottish cop who admitted serious domestic abuse charges quit the force before investigations were concluded – entitling him to a police pension when he reaches retiral age.

A sheriff told Andrew Caulfield, 48, would be sacked by Police Scotland but instead he remained on full pay for 16 months while suspended, reports the Sunday Mail.

The cyber crime specialist, earning £45k-a-year, harassed an ex-lover and defied a court order before resigning without disciplinary action being taken against him.

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Police Scotland said: “The officer resigned in June 2024. All officers and staff are required to conduct themselves in line with our values. We have no ability under current legislation to prevent an officer from resigning.”

Outstanding misconduct proceedings cease when an officer quits, regulations say.

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Caufield pled guilty at Dundee Sheriff Court to harassing PC Amanda Watson, 35, for nine months after they split, and defied a court order to stay away from her. He admitted abusive behaviour and acting in a coercive and controlling manner.

He repeatedly phoned, texted and emailed her, turned up at her home, put cards through her door and warned a friend to stop contacting her.

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A charge of striking Amanda with a door, grabbing her and trying to pull her off a bed was accepted ahead of his trial in February last year.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown imposed only a two-year non-harassment order because first offender Caulfield stayed out of trouble for two years. The court was told the conviction would spell the end of the officer’s career.