Former Aberdeen police chief quits charity role over indecent assault allegations

A RETIRED senior police officer, who has been charged by hisformer force in relation to allegations of indecent assault, has quit as chief executive of a leading Aberdeen charity.

Former Chief Superintendent Ian Paterson, 61, who served at one stage as the acting Assistant Chief Constable of Grampian Police, took “extended leave” earlier this month from his post as chief executive of the Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations (ACVO) after the force began an investigation into the indecent assault allegations.

But a spokesman for the charity said today: “ACVO can advise that Ian Paterson, chief executive, has resigned and, accordingly, ACVO will be commencing the recruitment of a new chief executive in the near future. In the meantime the interim management arrangements will continue.”

Mr Paterson was the longest-serving officer in Grampian Police when he retired in August, 2008, after more than 40 years of service.

Grampian Police has confirmed that Mr Paterson has now been charged in relation to the assault allegations.

A force spokesman said: “Following an investigation into allegations of assault from staff at Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations, Grampian Police can confirm that a 61 year-old man has now been charged. As is normal in such circumstances a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man will appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in due course.

“As court proceedings are now live it would be inappropriate for Grampian Police to make any further comment.”