Cops to probe sheriff over sex claims
Internal investigation put on ice
POLICE have launched a criminal probe into a sheriff over allegations he used sexually inappropriate behaviour with female colleagues.
Detectives from the Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh are probing the claims involving Aberdeen-based Sheriff Jack Brown.
A high-level judicial commission set up last year and led by Lockerbie prosecutor Lord Bracadale has been put on hold until the investigation concludes.
No one has been arrested or charged in the probe that was launched on December 12.
An insider told us: “The internal investigation has been put on ice until the police investigation has been completed. “It is in everyone’s interests to get to the bottom of it all as soon as possible.”
Last November, The Record revealed a female prosecutor claimed the 59-year-old had behaved “inappropriately” with her.
She did not alert the police and it only came to light after she told a manager who reported it.
She was released from her job and reassigned to another position while Sheriff Brown continued to work in Aberdeen’s courts.
The Record has since learned that up to three more complainers have come forward and that detectives are trying to interview other potential witnesses. It is understood that the three women also hold senior positions in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Last year, we revealed a team of Scotland’s top legal bigwigs were being pulled together to look into the claims.
As well as Lord Bracadale acting as prosecutor, it also involved Sheriff Alistair Duff, the director of the Judicial Institute of Scotland and Angela Grahame QC, the vice dean of the Faculty of Advocates.
A Police Scotland spokesman said last night: “We have commenced a criminal investigation which is at the early stages and we are unable to comment further.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Judiciary added: “If a police investigation were being conducted prior to charges being brought, the Judicial Office for Scotland would make no comment.”
Sheriff Brown lives with his second wife near Dundee.
When we asked him about the investigation outside Aberdeen Sheriff Court last November, he said: “I think you will have to go through the judicial office.”
He was unavailable for comment last night.
It’s in everyone’s interests to get to the bottom of it INSIDER ON PROBE INTO SHERIFF ALLEGATIONS