Police constable found guilty of five year campaign of abuse against former partner
He was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive
A police constable who carried out a five year campaign of domestic abuse has been slammed by a senior officer.
David Brown was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive of his former partner at an address in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, following a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this month.
The disgraced PC, 39, was found to have terrorised the woman by repeatedly shouting, swearing and making offensive comments towards her all between May 2019 and January last year.
Brown, who is currently suspended from the force, denied the allegations but was found guilty of a heavily amended complaint by Sheriff Graeme Watson following a protracted five day trial at the capital court on June 22.
Charges of punching household items and doors, brandishing a knife, raising his fist towards the woman and uttering derogatory comments about the food she cooked were deleted.
Allegations of driving slowly past her home in his personal vehicle and in a marked police car were also dropped by prosecutors during the trial.
The woman told the court she met Brown around 2002 and the couple eventually split up in January 2023.
She said he worked for several insurance companies before he joined the police in September 2023 after they had separated.
The woman broke down several times while giving evidence and said she felt “scared” while they were together due to Brown’s abusive behaviour.
She told the trial he had made her feel “worthless” and that she “felt like a skivvy most of the time running after him”.
Sheriff Watson deferred sentence on Brown for the preparation of a social work report to later this month.
Brown, whose address was only given as c/o Police Scotland’s professional standard committee, is believed to have been based at Dalkeith police station in Midlothian.
The constable’s abusive behaviour has now been heavily criticised by Police Scotland’s Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison who has also praised the victim for coming forward.
CS Harrison said: “Brown’s actions go against everything we stand for. Our thoughts are with victim, and I hope this conviction provides her with some measure of closure.
“I commend her strength in reporting these crimes and bringing this individual to justice. We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer.
“I would like to reassure the public that all reports are thoroughly investigated, no matter when the offending took place or who is involved.“All officers are bound by our Standards of Professional Behaviour, which apply on and off duty.
“Any instance where an officer fails to uphold our standards will be investigated and appropriate action taken.”