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Jury sent home for the night in trial of police officer accused of island rapes
Overview
The jury in the trial of police officer John Williamson at the High Court in Edinburgh has been sent home for the night and will resume deliberations on Thursday morning. Williamson denies charges including rape and under-age sexual activity alleged to have taken place in Shetland between 2014 and 2022. The Crown withdrew five of the original nine charges before closing speeches, leaving four remaining charges for the jury to consider.
Key points
- The jury in the trial of police officer John Williamson was sent home for the night after beginning their deliberations.
- Williamson denies charges of rape and under-age sexual activity involving two females in Shetland between 2014 and 2022.
- The trial is taking place at the High Court in Edinburgh before judge John Morris KC.
- The Crown withdrew five of the original nine charges ahead of closing speeches, leaving three charges of rape and one of under-age sexual activity.
- Williamson has been a police constable for over 10 years and is currently suspended.