Following the conviction of Police Sergeant Kevin Storey at the High Court in Edinburgh for a number of crimes against women over a period of more than 20 years, Police Scotland has reiterated that there is no hiding place for domestic abusers.
Storey is a serving police officer and as such, this matter will now be sent for the consideration of the Deputy Chief Constable, who is responsible for conduct, discipline and professional standards.
Chief Superintendent Gill Imery, Commander of the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division of Police Scotland, where Storey served as a Sergeant, said: “It is a matter of deep regret to me when a police officer – whose work is to keep people safe – has been shown to have failed the very high standards of professional behaviour we expect as an organisation.
“The investigation drew on specialist investigators from around the country. When this case came to light, as divisional commander I was able to call upon specialist resources in the form of the Domestic Abuse Task Force to conduct a thorough and sensitive investigation, who worked with the division to deliver a sensitive and professional response.
“Domestic abuse does not respect social boundaries, occupations or rural or urban communities. A key part to how we deal with this crime is to use all available methods at our disposal to track down abusers and bring them to the courts.
“I would like to reassure the public in the Scottish Borders and elsewhere that Police Scotland will take any report of domestic abuse seriously and makes such investigations – which can be complex, challenging and sensitive – a priority.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sam McCluskey, of the Domestic Abuse Task Force, paid tribute to the courage of the women who came forward and reported Storey’s crimes.
She said: “Storey targeted a number of women over a sustained period of time and we have placed those he abused at the heart of our approach.
“It took great strength to come forward and speak to the police about his offences. Some of the offences were not reported to the police at the time they were committed and came to our attention through a thorough investigation, which traced previous victims.
“I hope this case emphasises that regardless of who you are, domestic abuse is simply not acceptable, will not be tolerated and that the Domestic Abuse Task Force will bring you to justice by using every means possible to do so.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
