Former Moray policewoman sexually assaulted by fellow officer accepts £430k payout

A former Moray policewoman who complained about sexism and bullying at Forres police station has accepted a £431,968 payout from Police Scotland.

Gemma Macrae, who resigned from the police three years ago and went to live abroad, had earlier begun civil processing against the force.

Her civil suit was lodged following a criminal case which went to trial at Elgin Sheriff Court in September 2022

This ended with another former officer, Scott Gallop, being found guilty of fondling Ms Macrae while they were both at a house in Forres five years earlier in September 2017.

Gallop, who retired from the force at the end of 2018, was placed under the court's supervision for 12 months.

The matter had first been the subject of an internal investigation.

Then, in 2019, it became part of an official probe into wider claims that a so-called "Boys' Club" existed at Forres police station which harboured a culture of sexism and bullying.

However, the independent police watchdog's review, which cost £247,000, ultimately decided there was only sufficient evidence to prosecute Gallop.

Following the outcome of the criminal case in 2022, Ms Macrae waived her right to anonymity in order to urge Police Scotland to take whistle-blowers more seriously.

Speaking to the BBC, she said: “It has been seven arduous years of torture, not only for myself but for my family. The toxic masculinity and power used against me was inexcusable and cruel.

“I am physically and mentally drained. Seven years is a long time to fight for justice against an organisation that is meant to represent it.”

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