Misconduct probe after police officer admits abusing woman

A serving police officer has been ordered to carry out unpaid work for abusive offences against a woman.

Jay Skivington, 24, of Aberdeen, previously admitted a course of abusive behaviour.

He was sentenced to 160 hours of unpaid work at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Wednesday, and given a five-year non-harassment order in respect of the victim.

Police Scotland said a report would now be prepared for the deputy chief constable for consideration of misconduct proceedings.

Skivington pled guilty to one charge earlier this year.

The offences happened between December 2023 and October 2024 in the Portlethen and Aberdeen areas and elsewhere.

Skivington admitted demanding to know details of the woman's sexual history with previous partners, recording her with his mobile phone and refusing to stop when asked.

He also pursued her, shouted at her, put his hand over her mouth, struggled with her, and caused her to fall and strike her head to her injury.

A not guilty plea to a charge under the Sexual Offences Act relating to a different woman was accepted.

He was sentenced to a community payback order as an alternative to custody, with the 160 hours of unpaid work to be completed within a year.

Det Insp Mark Wilson, the senior investigating officer from Police Scotland, said: "I wholeheartedly commend the victim for reporting these crimes and I hope this sentence brings her some comfort.

"Reporting matters where the perpetrator is a police officer can be particularly difficult, and we understand how challenging it can feel.

"Police Scotland will relentlessly pursue those who perpetrate such crimes, regardless of their occupation or position in society."

He said that the force recognised that violence against women and girls was a "national emergency", and was being addressed as a matter of the utmost importance.

"Anybody approaching us to record allegations of this nature should be reassured we will work to investigate these matters fully," Wilson explained.

"We will identify those involved, whether they are serving, retired or resigned, and whether offences happened on or off duty."

He added: "Skivington will now face the consequences of his actions."