ABERDEEN POLICE OFFICER GORDON RAEPER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD VICTIMS

Kerri McLean continues to carry the emotional and physical scars from the horrific sexual abuse she endured as a child at the hands of former police officer Gordon Raeper. Her experience has profoundly influenced her resilience and strength, much like a delicate flower that manages to grow through the cracks of concrete before blooming.

In 2022, Raeper, aged 68, was finally brought to justice and sentenced to more than three years in prison for his crimes. His conviction marked a significant milestone for victims of historic abuse, and upon his release, Kerri chose to publicly share her story. Her aim is to inspire other victims of similar past abuses to come forward and seek justice, breaking the silence that often surrounds such traumatic experiences.

Kerri, now 35 and a mother, recounts her journey from a frightened eight-year-old girl to a determined young woman who refused to let her abuser define her life. Her story is one of courage and perseverance, highlighting the importance of speaking out against abuse and seeking justice.

She vividly recalls the day she watched Raeper being led away in handcuffs outside Aberdeen Sheriff Court, a moment that symbolized her fight for justice. That day, her face reflected a mixture of relief and vindication after years of battling the emotional aftermath of her abuse. Kerri explained, “He had punished me for many, many years – even afterwards. It’s only fair that he is punished. But it’s nothing like the punishment I had to go through. Mine is for life.”

Her reaction to Raeper’s early release after serving only half his sentence was one of intense anger and frustration. She openly expressed her feelings, stating, “I was angry when I was told. I feel like I’m serving a life sentence for this.” The emotional toll of the case was compounded by the disturbing details revealed during the trial, which included allegations that Raeper forced Kerri to witness depraved sexual acts and, on some occasions, ordered her to attach chains to his wrists and ankles and place a ball-gag in his mouth.

Throughout the years following the abuse, Kerri blamed herself, a common but tragic consequence of childhood sexual abuse. She described her descent into darkness, feeling angry, disgusting, and unable to talk about her trauma. Her mental health suffered greatly, and she struggled with insomnia, thoughts of drinking, and feelings of worthlessness. Her family and husband played crucial roles in helping her stay on the right path, but she admits that she reached a breaking point where she felt she could no longer cope.

In 2018, Kerri took a brave step by writing down everything Raeper had done to her and sharing her account with her family. This act of courage prompted her to contact the police and report the historic crimes committed by a man she once trusted as a police officer. Her decision was driven by the realization that what Raeper did was wrong and that she no longer wanted to live in silence or shame.

The police investigation that followed uncovered additional victims, and as the case proceeded to trial, Kerri’s primary concern was whether her testimony would be believed, given Raeper’s position as a former police officer. She expressed her fears, saying, “That was the hardest battle I had. I felt like I had to continuously convince people. That was my biggest worry at the trial, what if no one believes me?” Despite her fears, her siblings supported her unwaveringly, and she credits their belief and support for helping her endure the process.

Raeper’s trial culminated in a swift verdict. The jury took less than two hours to find him guilty of multiple sex offenses against female victims. During the proceedings, Sheriff Ian Wallace remarked that Raeper had exploited his role within the community to silence his victims, a betrayal of the trust placed in him as a police officer. Outside the court, Kerri was overwhelmed with emotion, describing Raeper as a “corrupt police officer” who had “abused his profession.”

Since the trial, Kerri reports feeling a significant improvement in her mental health. She states that publicly exposing Raeper’s actions and speaking out has been instrumental in her recovery. “Since the court case and getting all this off my chest, and making the world know what he is and what he’s done, it has helped me mentally to get it off my chest. To know it isn’t my fault,” she said. Although she continues to face challenges related to her past, she emphasizes that her experiences no longer control her as they once did.

When asked why she chose to share her story now, Kerri explained her motivation is to encourage other victims to seek help and report their abuse. She urges victims not to shut down or remain silent, emphasizing that reporting can be a vital step toward healing. “You are not in the wrong,” she reassures. “Although you’ll go through the hardest and scariest part of your life, it is worth it to see your offender brought to justice.”

For updates on court cases, crime reports, and breaking incidents in Aberdeen, readers are encouraged to join the local Facebook group dedicated to community safety and justice.