A former Police Scotland officer has been jailed for a pattern of 'appalling abuse' against several women.
Christopher Ferguson, 31, was convicted on charges including assault, stalking and threatening behaviour over a period of more than 14 years.
The officer targeted several women between January 2007 and July 2021.
One of the victims told how Ferguson punched and grabbed her, and would read through her text messages and tell her what to wear.
When the woman ended the relationship she received a barrage of phone calls, texts and gifts as well as turning up at her house.
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A second woman said she was repeatedly pinned to the floor and choked by Ferguson, while she and her family were subjected to unwanted calls and messages.
A third victim was shoved down a flight of stairs and had an ironing board thrown at her.
The former police officer was suspended in 2021 after being arrested and charged and later resigned.
Ferguson was found guilty last month, with sentencing delayed for background reports.
At Hamilton Sheriff Court he was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, as well as being given a non-harassment order and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: “My thoughts remain with those who survived the appalling abuse by Christopher Ferguson and I commend their strength in reporting these crimes and bringing him to justice.
“We understand how difficult it can be to report these kinds of offences, particularly when the perpetrator is a police officer, but I want the public to be reassured that all reports are thoroughly investigated, no matter when the offending took place or who is involved.
“It is right that policing is held to high standards at all times and we will always support officers and staff acting with our values and standards at heart. The onus is on policing to build and maintain public confidence and consent which is critical in our ability to keep our communities and citizens safe.
“Criminality or misconduct by officers or staff damages public confidence and there is no place in policing for those who do not uphold our values.”
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