Tackling Threat and Risk

Serious Violence including Homicide 

Since the last meeting of the Scottish Police Authority Board on Thursday 23 February 2023, Police Scotland has carried out investigations into five murders at various locations across Scotland.  Each death is a tragedy, which has a lasting impact on individuals and families, and in the communities where they occur.

A professional investigative response by officers and staff from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) and Local Policing Divisions, driven by the particular circumstances of each death, has resulted in the identification and arrest of an accused person or persons in each of the murders.

The ability to respond to multiple incidences of serious criminality occurring within a compressed time period, and conducting complex investigations while supporting the families and communities affected, demonstrates the value of the integrated and effective national service.  

Murder of Brenda Page - Aberdeen

On Thursday 9 March, Christopher Harrisson, aged 82, was found guilty at the High Court in Aberdeen of murdering his ex-wife 32-year-old Dr Brenda Page within her home on Friday 14 July 1978.  Harrisson subjected her to a prolonged campaign of domestic abuse including coercive and controlling behaviours throughout their relationship, which culminated in her violent murder.   

This has been one of Scotland’s longest-running murder investigations and Police Scotland’s MIT instigated a re-investigation in 2015 following instruction from the Lord Advocate. 

Various improvements in available evidence since 1978 allowed the investigation to progress to trial.  This is in part due to a better understanding of domestic abuse and abusive relationships which helped highlight what Brenda went through over many years. 

Police Scotland ensures that time is no barrier to justice.  Unresolved and undetected murder cases are never closed in Scotland.  The investigation of homicides is an area where the national police service has driven high standards of investigation and compassion. The ability to respond professionally and thoroughly, and provide answers for families, is a core duty of policing.

Violence Against Women and Girls 

Domestic Abuse - Significant Sentences

Stephen Kidd, aged 36, appeared at Aberdeen High Court in February, having been found guilty of 22 charges, including rape, committed against nine victims between 2005 and 2020.   He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and a further three year extended sentence.  This conviction and sentence follows a proactive non-recent enquiry undertaken by the Domestic Abuse Task Force.   

In March, Paul Callanin aged 35, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment at Aberdeen High Court in connection with serious sexual offences carried out on women in the West Dunbartonshire area between 2005 and 2013.  Callanin is a predatory and dangerous man who committed a variety of serious sexual crimes against women over a protracted period of time.   

These convictions and sentences followed investigations by Police Scotlands Public Protection Unit officers, and enabled by the bravery and courage of victims who came forward to report what happened to them.