Crime plummets but domestic abuse cases rise
Teen girl’s evidence to court in cop trial
Police have revealed a drop in crime and an increase in detection rates in Lanarkshire – but “a concerning rise” in reports of domestic abuse.
Crime in the area dropped by more than 1600 incidents during the first three quarters of 2020/21, while the number of crimes solved increased by seven per cent.
Management performance figures for April to December 2020, also highlight reductions in violent crime and house-breaking, compared to the previous year.
Police say protecting people at risk of harm is a priority, with lockdown seeing an eight per cent rise in the number of reports of domestic abuse.
Lanarkshire’s divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Alan Waddell, insists domestic abuse is taken seriously and, despite Covid-19 restrictions, help and support remains available to anyone affected.
He said: “Although I always welcome reductions in crime,
I must stress that these figures have been recorded during an unprecedented time and it could be years before we understand the impact of coronavirus on policing.
“Our dedication to ensuring communities remain safe places to live and work has not changed, and is reflected in the strong detection rates. Any criminal behaviour that has a detrimental impact on our communities will not be tolerated.”
Police Scotland also published its performance report, which revealed that it received an additional 25,000 calls between April and December compared to last year, taking the total number of 999 and 101 contacts to almost two million.
Service centres are operating with reduced capacity due to physical distancing requirements, while also coping with increased call demand from the public seeking guidance on coronavirusrelated issues.
Chief Superintendent Waddell added: “The past year has been challenging for everyone. I would like to thank our communities for their ongoing support, and pay tribute to our partners as our close links have never been so crucial.
“I would also like to recognise the efforts of our police officers, staff and Special Constables who have continued to play a key role in the national effort to combat the spread of coronavirus, while facing the same personal and professional challenges as their fellow citizens.”
A teenager has told a court she felt violated after allegedly receiving sexualised messages from a serving police officer.
The girl claimed she was sent messages when she was 16 on social media app Snapchat by 42-year-old British Transport Police officer, Iain Bagley.
Glasgow Sheriff Court was this week shown an alleged chat log between the pair.
Bagley denies sending sexual communication without consent and placing the girl in alarm or distress.
It’s alleged the chats took place between February and October 2019 in Rutherglen.
A picture of Bagley, of Renfrew, in uniform was allegedly sent during the early exchanges.
Bagley allegedly stated in a message: “My back is f ***** , I need a massage” followed by two okay sign emojis.
Prosecutor Chris Farrell asked the girl what she thought he meant by that.
She replied: “That I should be the one that’s giving him the massage.
“I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing that.”
The log showed Bagley allegedly asking the girl for “more exciting” pictures and asking about boyfriends.
The girl appeared to speak about eating pizza which Bagley replied: “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.”
Mr Farrell asked the girl if she felt comfortable about Bagley referring to her hips and she replied: “No.”
Another message read:
“You need your beauty sleep” followed by a love heart and kiss emoji.
The girl claimed the conversation became “more sexual” and said she said she was “innocent” at the time.
The pair are later discussing on Snapchat the girl’s drama class and how she doesn’t know what costume she will be wearing.
Bagley allegedly says: “You will just have to make it up for me.”
Mr Farrell asked the girl what Bagley’s motive was behind the message.
She said: “To dress up for him and not for anyone else, I felt violated.”
Mr Farrell asked why the girl didn’t end the conversation. She said: “I felt I couldn’t.” The girl allegedly told
Bagley in a message at night that she was getting ready for bed.
He appeared to say: “Pyjamas on or off.”
The girl replied: “On” and Bagley then states: “Shame.”
The girl added that she would ask Bagley when and where he was working in order to avoid meeting him at train stations.
She allegedly asked Bagley: “If I’m ever out in town and you are on duty and saw me doing something, would you say something, give me a warning or arrest me.”
Bagley replied: “Depending on how serious it is, it would be a warning and depending on who you are, that can change...
“I would get another police officer to deal with this as it would be a conflict of interest...
“If you want handcuffed that can be arranged but you won’t be arrested.”
The girl replied: “That’s not what I meant.”
Bagley responded: “You will be asking me to search you next.”
Bagley appeared to ask the girl if she wants him to leave her alone and if she had enough of him which she replied: “No.”
Mr Farrell stated that it appeared she was content with the context of the messages.
The girl replied: “No, I’m the kind of person that doesn’t want to upset people and says okay it’s fine.”
The trial before Sheriff Stuart Reid continues.