POLICE OFFICER RORY PHILIP FACES SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES IN BUCKSBURN AND SHETLAND

The legal proceedings against Police Officer Rory Philip, who is accused of committing multiple sexual assaults, have been officially relocated from Shetland to Aberdeen, raising concerns about the impact on local justice in the region. The case was initially heard at Lerwick Sheriff Court, where Philip firmly denied all allegations brought against him.

According to the charges, Philip is accused of engaging in sexual misconduct at the Trench Bar in Lerwick on two separate occasions. The first incident allegedly occurred on October 28, 2023, and the subsequent incidents took place on February 18, 2024. The specific allegations detail that Philip forcibly seized the first complainant and touched her body without consent. Additionally, it is claimed that he placed his hand on and grabbed the buttocks of two other women during these encounters.

Procurator Fiscal Duncan MacKenzie argued that the trial should be moved to Aberdeen, citing the fact that Philip was serving as a Shetland police officer at the time of the alleged offences. MacKenzie explained that conducting the trial in Aberdeen would be more cost-effective for the public, as it would eliminate the need for a fiscal from the mainland to travel to Shetland. This logistical consideration was a key factor in his request for the transfer.

Initially, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank expressed reservations about the move. He pointed out that, typically, cases involving mainland residents accused of crimes in Shetland are tried locally. The sheriff voiced concerns about ensuring fairness in the proceedings, questioning why Philip’s case should be treated differently from other mainland residents. He emphasized that Shetland’s local justice system should be able to handle such cases, and highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in legal processes.

Despite these concerns, Sheriff Cruickshank ultimately approved the transfer of the case to Aberdeen. He noted that witnesses from Shetland would still be able to give their evidence via videolink, thus maintaining some connection to the local community. The trial is scheduled to commence on July 17, 2024. Meanwhile, Philip has been released on bail under the condition that he must not contact any of the three women who have made complaints against him.