GLASGOW POLICE OFFICER CRAIG GLEN CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST COLLEAGUES IN POLICE CAR
A police officer employed by Police Scotland, Craig Glen, has been found guilty of engaging in sexual misconduct towards two female colleagues while on duty.The incidents, which took place within the confines of police vehicles, involved inappropriate physical contact and suggestive communication, leading to a serious breach of professional conduct and trust.
Craig Glen, aged 37, was convicted of making inappropriate remarks and engaging in unwelcome physical contact with the officers during separate incidents.
Despite his attempts to dismiss his actions as mere 'banter,' the court heard compelling evidence that painted a different picture.
Sheriff Paul Reid, presiding over the case at Glasgow Sheriff Court, decided to postpone sentencing to allow for further background checks, emphasizing the gravity of the misconduct.
The court was informed that Craig Glen was a married man and served within Glasgow’s major organised crime unit, working alongside two other police officers.
The first incident occurred in the Springburn district of Glasgow on Boxing Day in 2016.
It was reported that Glen was in a vehicle with a female colleague when he rested his hand on her right thigh while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal.
The situation escalated when he moved his hand further up her leg, an act she described as deeply upsetting.
The female officer expressed her feelings of being “disgusted, shocked,” and “belittled” by Glen’s conduct.
Glen denied the allegation during the trial, claiming that his actions were innocent and that he did not intend any harm.
The second incident took place in June 2021.
On that occasion, another female officer was in the passenger seat of a police vehicle, her first day on the job.
Glen was behind the wheel when he reportedly went to change gear and brushed his hand against her leg.
She initially dismissed the contact as a joke, but Glen then touched her thigh two more times.
The officer testified that Glen claimed he was “unaware” of these repeated touches.
During the proceedings, Glen denied making a comment about needing to “contain himself,” but admitted that he had bought the officer dinner “on a few occasions.” He also denied making any sexualized remarks after she confided in him about her marriage and an allergy to latex, asserting that any comments he made would have been “banter.” Throughout the trial, the court heard that Glen sometimes engaged in sexualized humor with other officers, which the judge noted was inappropriate behavior for a police officer.
Sheriff Reid condemned Glen’s actions, stating that his conduct had “humiliated” his victims.
The judge emphasized that the remarks and physical contact were “grossly offensive” and “completely sexualized,” and that Glen’s victims had been subjected to humiliation.
He further stated that the conduct occurred while Glen was on duty inside a police vehicle, and he believed the acts were deliberate rather than accidental.
As a result of his conviction, Craig Glen was placed on the sex offenders register and will be required to return to court at a later date for sentencing.
Police Scotland’s professional standards department announced that misconduct proceedings would be initiated against him.
Ch Supt Helen Harrison, representing the department, condemned Glen’s actions, affirming that they contradict the core values of Police Scotland.
She stressed that all officers are expected to adhere to the Standards of Professional Behaviour, both on and off duty, and assured the public that any breaches would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate disciplinary measures taken.
If anyone has been affected by the actions of Craig Glen or knows of similar misconduct, they are encouraged to report it to the police via 101, or in emergencies, dial 999.
Anonymous reporting options are available through Crimestoppers.
Support resources and further information can be found on Police Scotland’s official support links page.
