LOTHIAN POLICE OFFICER STEVEN KELLOCK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT EDINBURGH CINEMA

In a case that has shocked the community, police officer Steven Kellock, aged 40, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl during a church outing in Edinburgh. The incident occurred at the Vue Cinema located at Ocean Terminal on December 16, 2012, and has led to significant legal repercussions for Kellock.

According to court proceedings, Kellock, a former constable with Lothian and Borders Police, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of inappropriate touching. Specifically, he admitted to touching the girl’s arm, legs, and breasts over her clothing, as well as her stomach beneath her clothing. The court heard that the assault took place during a group outing organized by an East Lothian church, where Kellock was serving as an elder. The group consisted of 18 members, and they had gone to see the film 'The Hobbit.'

It was revealed that Kellock had driven the girl and some other members of the group to the cinema because her father, who was a friend of Kellock, was unable to do so. The girl’s father was not present during the incident, but the circumstances of the transportation played a role in the events that unfolded.

During the court hearing, the fiscal depute, Pauline Shade, detailed the sequence of events. She explained that Kellock sat next to the girl and initially began stroking her leg. The girl, perceiving this as a friendly gesture, did not initially feel alarmed. However, Kellock then moved his hand to her upper thigh, which made her increasingly uncomfortable. The girl attempted to distance herself by turning her back on Kellock, but he continued to touch her arms and legs. Eventually, he placed his hand under her top and rubbed her stomach.

The girl responded by getting up and going to the toilet. Upon her return, Kellock resumed touching her, prompting her to pretend she needed to answer her mobile phone. During the return journey in the car, the girl texted a friend about what had happened. The friend then contacted her parents, who promptly called the police.

Following the allegations, Kellock was suspended from duty when he reported for work on December 19, 2012. He expressed remorse for his actions, claiming to be full of regret for the hurt caused to the girl, her family, and his own family. Despite his remorse, the court decided to impose a sentence that included an 18-month community payback order, registration on the sex offenders register, and a requirement to undergo behavioral therapy.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Roderick Macleod acknowledged the gravity of Kellock’s actions, emphasizing that his personal and professional life had been profoundly affected. The sheriff stated, “Your marriage is over and your career destroyed,” but also noted Kellock’s cooperation and guilty plea as mitigating factors. The court deferred sentencing until May to allow for background reports, but Kellock was ordered to register as a sex offender, reflecting the serious nature of his misconduct.