Rapist policeman faces inquiry into 20 attacks

A police officer convicted of raping two women is to be investigated over attacks on a possible 20 further victims.

Adam Carruthers, an inspector in the Dumfries and Galloway force, was jailed for 12 years last week after being found guilty of raping a woman in 1996 and of raping the wife of a special constable several times between 1994 and 1995.

Detectives who investigated Carruthers reported that there may be up to 20 more victims. More women are believed to have reported attacks since his conviction. Lothian and Borders police are preparing to re-open an incident room that investigated a series of sex attacks on women in the Borders.

Dumfries and Galloway police launched a criminal investigation in 1998, after concerns were raised at rumours of Carruthers' activities. Although he was later charged with eight offences of rape, sexual assault and breaches of the peace, the Crown Office decided not to take the case to court.