INDIA LOCKYER AND SCALLOWAY POLICE OFFICER ROBERT VEIGHLEY INVOLVED IN SHETLAND CHILD ASSAULT CASE

In a disturbing case originating from the remote community of Scalloway in Shetland, a former police officer has come under scrutiny for his role in an attempt to obstruct justice related to a serious assault on a young girl. Robert Veighey, aged 57, who previously served as a police officer in Shetland, pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to interfere with evidence in a criminal investigation. The incident came to light as a trial was scheduled to commence at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, revealing a troubling effort to conceal crucial evidence.

According to court proceedings, Veighey admitted to repeatedly encouraging a man named Kyle Swannie to destroy a mobile phone that contained text messages directly linked to the assault. The phone belonged to India Lockyer, a woman from Scalloway who later admitted her involvement in the attack on the young girl. The assault, which involved physical violence including biting, scratching, and hitting, reportedly took place between five and seven days prior to the attempted destruction of evidence.

Veighey’s actions were aimed at helping Lockyer evade prosecution, as police investigations into the assault were already underway. The court heard that Veighey had actively encouraged Swannie to destroy the phone on January 25 of the previous year, in an apparent effort to hinder the investigation and prevent the evidence from being used in court. Despite these admissions, Veighey denied a separate charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice, a plea that was accepted by the Crown.

Meanwhile, the prosecution had previously rejected Lockyer’s plea of guilty to the assault charge, which involved her repeatedly striking and biting the child's head, as well as biting and scratching her body, causing injury. Both Veighey and Lockyer are scheduled to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court next month for sentencing, where the full extent of their involvement and the consequences they face will be determined. The case has sent shockwaves through the Shetland community, highlighting serious concerns about misconduct and the integrity of law enforcement officials involved in the investigation.