CHRISTOPHER WYLIE FROM SUTHERLAND SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR ABUSE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

A former police officer from Sutherland has been sentenced to seven years in prison after a prolonged period of abusive behavior towards a woman, which included non-consensual sexual acts. The severity and brutality of Wylie's actions have shocked the community and prompted a stern judicial response.

Christopher Wylie, aged 47, was found guilty of subjecting the woman to relentless abuse over a span of 20 months. His conduct was characterized by physical violence, threats, and manipulative tactics aimed at controlling and intimidating his victim. During the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, the judge described Wylie's behavior as "appalling, sustained and humiliating," emphasizing the gravity of his actions.

Wylie’s abusive conduct was not limited to emotional torment; it involved physical assault, including throttling the woman and lunging at her while wielding a knife. These violent episodes created a dangerous environment for the victim, who was subjected to constant fear and intimidation. The judge, Michael O'Grady KC, made it clear that such behavior warrants a significant custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes committed.

Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Wylie repeatedly invaded the victim’s privacy by grabbing her mobile phone, reading her messages, and making incessant calls and texts. He also threatened to harm himself and sent her photographs depicting self-inflicted injuries, further demonstrating his manipulative and controlling tendencies. Wylie’s actions extended to hiding her car keys and phone, effectively isolating her and exerting dominance over her.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the case involved Wylie’s physical assault while he was armed with a knife. He lunged at the woman and struggled with her, causing her to fall to the ground. During these violent episodes, he also grabbed her by the neck and squeezed, restricting her breathing, and covered her mouth and nose with his hands in an attempt to silence her. These acts of violence and intimidation left lasting trauma on the victim.

In addition to the physical abuse, Wylie engaged in sexual misconduct by having sex with the woman without her consent. He also attempted to barter her for drugs by offering another man sexual intercourse with her in exchange for narcotics. Despite denying these allegations initially, Wylie was convicted by a jury at the High Court in Inverness after a thorough trial.

Police Scotland’s Detective Constable Emma Ellis expressed her hope that the lengthy sentence would bring some measure of closure to the victim. She emphasized that sexual abuse has no place in society and encouraged anyone experiencing similar situations to come forward and seek help.

Wylie’s defense lawyer, Brian McConnachie KC, acknowledged that Wylie maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, although the jury’s verdict clearly rejected his account. The lawyer also noted that Wylie was, in essence, a first-time offender, but his alcohol abuse at the time of the offenses was a mitigating factor. Wylie was assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending, but the court’s decision to impose a substantial sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes.

During his time in custody, Wylie has been transferred from Inverness jail to a prison in Dumfries. His background as a police officer was mentioned, with the defense highlighting that his incarceration would be particularly challenging given his previous career. Wylie has also been placed on the sex offenders register, marking the legal acknowledgment of the severity of his misconduct and ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.