Police Detective Convicted of Assaulting His Own Child

©️ By Tom Blewitt | Predator Awareness

Keiran John Shepherd, a former CID officer at Police Scotland, has been convicted of assaulting his own child, prompting widespread concern over accountability within law enforcement and the judicial system. Shepherd, who had been assigned to work with victims of domestic abuse, was found guilty after a trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, despite his denial of the charges. The case has raised questions about the actions of law enforcement officers who are supposed to uphold justice, yet have been found guilty of criminal behaviour themselves.

A Disturbing Professional History

Shepherd, a resident of Dunfermline, worked as a beat officer in Dalgety Bay and Dunfermline before moving to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Kirkcaldy. Throughout his career, Shepherd’s responsibilities included investigating cases of domestic abuse and supporting vulnerable victims—often children and women—who had experienced severe trauma.

His background in these sensitive areas makes his own conviction for assaulting a child all the more egregious, highlighting the stark contrast between his professional duties and personal actions. Despite this career focus on domestic abuse, Shepherd’s behaviour off-duty speaks to a failure to uphold the standards of integrity and professionalism that are expected of those in positions of power and trust.

The conviction raises profound concerns about the credibility of those entrusted to protect the vulnerable.

The Court’s Decision and Public Outcry

At trial, Shepherd pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault, but the court found him guilty after hearing the evidence presented. Despite the severity of the conviction, which involved the assault of a minor, Shepherd was sentenced to a £600 fine.

This relatively minor penalty—especially in the context of the grave nature of the crime—has raised significant questions about the adequacy of the judicial system’s response to offences committed by police officers.

What has further amplified public dismay is the lenient nature of Shepherd’s sentence. Given the victim’s age and the fact that the perpetrator was a law enforcement officer responsible for protecting the public, many believe that the fine represents a grossly insufficient form of justice.

Critics have pointed to the disparity between the consequences faced by ordinary citizens who commit similar offences and those faced by officers in positions of authority. Moreover, the decision to allow Shepherd to walk free from the court after his conviction has stirred anger among the public, particularly among those who see it as part of a larger pattern of insufficient accountability for officers accused of criminal behaviour.

The Media’s Role and Law Enforcement Silence

The handling of this case in the media has also come under scrutiny. Despite the gravity of the offence and its implications, there has been a notable lack of media coverage of Shepherd’s conviction. Compared to high-profile cases involving the general public, the media’s reporting on this matter has been restrained, and public information regarding the trial and its outcome has been sparse.

This silence, combined with a lack of transparency from law enforcement agencies, has contributed to growing concerns about the extent to which law enforcement officers are shielded from public scrutiny.

Police Scotland, in particular, has yet to issue any significant public comment or acknowledgment regarding the case. This absence of a clear statement from the police force is concerning, as it suggests an unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths within its own ranks. It also raises questions about how the police are holding themselves accountable when one of their own is found guilty of criminal conduct.

The Growing Call from Predator Awareness

There is increasing recognition that cases like this reflect broader issues within society that require urgent attention. We at Predator Awareness are calling for a change in how society responds to individuals who abuse positions of power.

This case—particularly given Shepherd’s role in law enforcement—underscores the need for more stringent oversight of police officers and the judiciary.

We will not remain silent in the face of such incidents. We are advocating for stronger safeguards to ensure that law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of accountability, particularly when their actions harm children.

We argue that justice must not only be served in the courtroom but also be seen to be served, especially when those in positions of authority are involved.

Society must no longer tolerate the silence that often surrounds these cases. We are calling for the public to hold police forces and the judiciary accountable and to demand that justice be done—not just for the victims but also for the integrity of the institutions designed to protect them.

The Need for Reform and Greater Accountability

The conviction of Keiran John Shepherd highlights the serious flaws in the way law enforcement and judicial systems deal with misconduct within their ranks. Police officers are entrusted with the duty of upholding the law, and when they are found to have violated that trust, they must face consequences that are commensurate with the severity of their actions.

It is clear that more comprehensive reforms are necessary to ensure that law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions. These reforms should include:

A transparent review process for police officers accused of criminal activity
Increased public scrutiny of the judicial outcomes of such cases
A zero-tolerance policy for individuals in positions of power who misuse that power to harm others

As the conversation surrounding this case continues, one thing is certain: the public demand for justice will not dissipate.

Predator Awareness, along with concerned citizens, are determined to ensure that those who harm children and abuse their positions of trust are held accountable—no matter their role in society.

The message is clear: silence will no longer be accepted, and the call for reform will only grow louder.

Final Word

Ultimately, the case of Keiran John Shepherd is more than just a legal matter—it is a broader societal issue that demands a re-evaluation of how justice is applied to those who are meant to serve and protect the public.