A 32-year-old police officer from Shetland has begun trial at the High Court in Edinburgh facing multiple allegations of rape and sexual assault. Carmichael John Williamson, known as John Williamson and based in Burra, has entered not guilty pleas to all charges before judge John Morris KC.
During the opening day of proceedings, the court heard testimony from a witness who described being too intoxicated to consent to sexual activity with the accused. The same witness also recounted experiencing a freeze response during a separate alleged incident.
What are the specific allegations?
Williamson faces an allegation that he assaulted and raped the woman in April 2022 at multiple locations across Shetland while she was intoxicated and unable to provide consent. A second rape allegation relates to an incident in August 2020 at a different Shetland location, along with a separate charge of sexual assault against the same complainant.
The accused has also denied charges relating to a teenage girl, with allegations spanning 2014 and 2015. These charges include assault, rape, and sexual activity with a minor when the girl was underage.
What happens next?
The trial before judge John Morris KC is ongoing, with further evidence expected to be heard in the coming days as the court examines the prosecution's case and the defence's response to the allegations.
