David McQuade, a Scottish Sex Offender police officer convicted of sexually abusing a subordinate colleague, continues to receive his salary despite his sentence.
David McQuade, 52, was convicted of assaulting the woman at Glenrothes police station in October 2022.
The veteran policeman has been suspended for over two years after the complaint was filed, however he has retained his annual income of £48,000 while performing no police duties, according to the Sunday Mail.
McQuade will have also received the annual salary increase granted to officers over the past two years, accumulating nearly £100,000 in total.
On October 7, 2022, the constable assaulted the woman at the Fife Division offices on Detroit Road while on duty.
A court was informed that he endeavoured to coerce her into sexual intercourse, persistently kissed her on the face and neck, touched her body, and sought to unfasten her trousers.
The policeman, David McQuade, was convicted at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on December 16, has been registered as a sex offender, and will receive sentencing next month.
He will subsequently undergo an internal investigation for police misconduct prior to a determination about his termination.
Pauline McNeill, the Scottish Labour Justice spokesman, stated, “Police officers convicted of serious offences, such as sexual assault, have significantly failed to meet the expected standards of our police, and egregious cases like this must be addressed with urgency.”
Sharon Dowey MSP, the Scottish Conservative shadow minister for victims, stated: “The continued remuneration of this officer since his suspension is an affront to the victim in this case.”
“Taxpayers will enquire why they have financed this police officer’s salary, considering he has now been convicted of such predatory conduct.”
David McQuade is the second officer disclosed this week for sexually assaulting female colleagues.
Police Officer Peter Fleming subjected three female coworkers to “appalling” language and attitude while on duty in Rothesay and has been registered as a sex offender.
He entered a guilty plea at Greenock Sheriff Court last week and is scheduled for sentencing next month.
Fleming’s comments rendered his colleagues exceedingly uncomfortable, prompting one woman to “curl away from him and lean against the wall of the vehicle,” as stated in court.
He commented to the woman that she ought to ‘bind herself and attire herself as a schoolgirl.’
The cases have elicited apprehension on the force’s inability to address sexism and misogyny, as a report indicated that such views remain “pervasive.”
An investigation by the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Independent Review Group (IRG) revealed that institutional and individual sexism and misogyny “is a daily experience for many” and is hindering career advancement for female officers.
The assessment, released in September 2024, identified “entrenched antiquated attitudes that foster a hostile environment for women within the service.”
Police Scotland now has twice as many male officers as female officers, with a lower annual recruitment rate of women compared to men.
Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife and a former police officer, stated: “In September, an independent review revealed that sexist and misogynistic attitudes remain prevalent within Police Scotland.”
This conduct, frequently masquerading as banter, has exerted a deleterious influence on Scottish policing for an extended period and must be eradicated wherever it arises.
“Enhanced training for first-line managers and comprehensive documentation would convey to every officer that they are in a nurturing work environment conducive to career advancement and personal development, while also establishing stringent repercussions for misconduct.”
Completely ignoring the issue of David McQuade still being paid, Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison, head of the Professional Standards Department, stated: “We recognise the conviction of David McQuade at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.”
The issue will be submitted to the Deputy Chief Constable for evaluation of misconduct proceedings.
David McQuade’s behaviour significantly deviates from the professional standards anticipated of all individuals employed in law enforcement.
I commend the victim in this situation for coming forward.
“We recognise that reporting such crimes can be challenging, yet their commitment to justice exemplifies their integrity and moral principles, which I commend.”
“Policing must consistently adhere to elevated standards, and we will perpetually endorse officers and staff who embody our values and principles.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.