Former police officer imprisoned for abusive and violent offences

A former Police Scotland officer has today, Wednesday, 21 August, been sentenced to 3 years' and 9 months imprisonment at Hamilton Sheriff Court for a series of abusive and violent offences.

Christopher Ferguson, 31, was also given a non-harassment order and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years after being convicted on Thursday, 13 June, 2024.

Ferguson was arrested and charged in 2021 following an investigation, where officers took proactive steps to identify and approach further potential victims. He was suspended immediately and has since resigned.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “My thoughts remain with those who survived the appalling abuse by Christopher Ferguson and 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.”