Lee supported through police interview

 BEING a victim of crime is traumatic enough when you can communicate with the police through normal means.

For Lee Strachan, who has learning difficulties and struggles with verbal speech, that made the process doubly difficult.

Lee (29), from New Elgin, who lives independently, suffered a break-in.

Lee Strachan

That meant him going to the police station in Elgin to make a statement, but as he communicates largely through a special sign language known as Makaton, and the officer who interviewed him couldn’t sign, Lee needed the support of his speech and language therapist Wendy Corner.

"Somebody came into my house and stole my bank card. I was out at the time and they kicked my door in," said Lee.

The interview process took its toll on Lee, but Wendy, who has known him since he was 12 years old, was able to help him.

"Lee is a very good signer and uses some words, and is also very good at drawing," said Wendy.

The police were sympathetic and understanding while interviewing Lee but the process still affected him. "Because I have known Lee for so long I knew when he needed a break," she said.

As part of the ‘Giving Voice’ campaign locally, Lee produced a speech bubble to explain his experience with the police.

Lee and Wendy have built up a good relationship over the years which ensures ongoing support is there for Lee when he needs it.

"The first time I met Lee he was still at home with his mum and dad," she said. "Now he is an independent gentleman who lives with his flatmate.

"They need some support in the mornings and evenings but otherwise they are pretty independent."

Lee has a great sense of humour and that came over as he told his story through Wendy.

He likes to express himself in more ways than one and is a long-standing member of the Out of the Darkness Theatre Group in Elgin. That has seen him involved in a number of dramatic performances and he eventually went on tour with the group to Dubai, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A Rangers fan, among his cherished possessions is Ally McCoist’s autograph.

Lee works at the Alucan can recycling project in Buckie and gets to and from work on the bus.