A brave mother has hit out at the justice system after her boyfriend, who was a former cop, was allowed to dodge court despite being on trial for domestic abuse.
Anne-Marie Hirdman, 42, said the decision to let ex-police constable Fraser Ross miss a court hearing “sends the wrong signal” reports the Daily Record.
Ross was found guilty of 'terrorising' the former model during their six year relationship to the point where she thought he would kill her.
He avoided a jail sentence, however, and was placed on a Community Payback Order and told to return to court every few months for hearings to monitor his progress.
But he was allowed to miss a review hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court and have the case dealt with in his absence.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service said he was permitted to miss the hearing to "reduce footfall within the building".
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Another review hearing was scheduled for six months’ time.
Anne-Marie said: “I’m not surprised as he has been getting treated differently all the time throughout this process.
“It’s the wrong signal to send out to criminals who are police officers and to the public in having faith in the system.
"This is another kick in the teeth.”
Anne-Marie, who has a heart condition, still suffers physically and emotionally from Ross’s abuse more than two years after they split.
The Glasgow officer, who resigned in disgrace after 16 years in the role, incessantly abused her at their Motherwell home.
He was found guilty of assaulting her and behaving in a threatening or abusive way.
A Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service spokesman said: “Fraser Ross was sentenced on June 22, 2021, to a Community Payback Order.
“Mr Ross was present at this hearing. Thereafter, the Sheriff has assigned a number of reviews.
“The practice at Hamilton as directed by the Sheriff Principal is to reduce footfall within the building.”
