Former copper cleared of rape charge
Ex-sergeant walks free from court
A decorated ex-police sergeant has been cleared of raping a sleeping woman.
Kevin McKeown was alleged to have raped her at a property in Maybole between 31 January, 1997 and July 1, 1997.
The 55-year-old retired detective was also accused of groping another woman in Maybole between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1994.
McKeown, who earned a long service and good conduct medal, was found not proven by a jury the High Court in Glasgow of rape and indecent assault.
After the not proven verdict to both charges was announced Mr McKeown said: “Thank you,” before walking free from court.
The alleged rape victim, 47, had claimed in evidence that Mr McKeown had raped her after she dozed off.
The 53-year-old woman, who claimed
she was groped by Mr McKeown, said her alleged attack took place while asleep at a house party.
But, Mr McKeown, of Maybole, denied all allegations and stated in evidence that he had never met the indecent assault woman.
John Scullion QC, defending, asked if there was any physical contact or flirting between himself and the woman and he replied: “None.”
He later claimed to have been unaware of who made the allegations against him until a police interview in 2018.
Mr Scullion asked how he felt during the interview.
Mr McKeown replied: “Totally shocked, and I’m still totally shocked and angry.”
Prosecutor Greg Farrell later said: “Both of these women are talking about a period in the mid-90s when in their 20s in Maybole at social events in private places after falling asleep in living rooms on couches.
“Are they both fabricating these alegations against you?”
Mr McKeown replied: “Yes.”