Head of Police Scotland backs inquiry into Rangers case

The head of Police Scotland has backed Holyrood demands for a judge-led inquiry into the wrongful prosecution of two men linked to the collapse of Rangers almost a decade ago.

David Whitehouse and Paul Clark were wrongfully prosecuted

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told MSPs on Thursday the force would fully co-operate with the probe after it was backed by a vote in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Livingstone told Holyrood’s public audit committee that he had listened to a debate in Parliament on Wednesday that saw MSPs vote in favour of an inquiry into the row over the malicious prosecutions of financial experts David Whitehouse and Paul Clark. They subsequently won an overall payout of £24 million.

"I shared the levels of concerns that were expressed and I also share what was the will of Parliament that the role of Police Scotland be included in any judicially-led inquiry that is then established,” the Chief Constable said.

"So I just give my fill commitment to participate fully in that, that I agree there should be an inquiry in these circumstances and I give my commitment that the police service in Scotland will contribute to and co-operate fully with any inquiry that arises."

The motion passed by MSPs on Wednesday included a specific provision that the inquiry would look at the role of Police Scotland.

Mr Livingstone said the police officers were effectively forced to investigate the Rangers case because they were instructed to do so by the Crown Office, Scotland's prosecution service.

"I, as Chief Constable, must comply with any lawful instruction regarding investigation of crime that is given to me by the Lord Advocate," he said.

Mr Livingstone said it was "very complex" case given the structure of the club as the administrators were called in and had largely been carried out under the direction of the Crown Office.

"That's not uncommon for complex issues," Mr Livingstone said.

"They have the legal training. There's a very close relationship between policing and the Crown in Scotland, but the distinct roles are always recognised."

The Chief Constable also agreed to write back to MSPs with an estimate on the cost of the Rangers investigation to the force in terms police officers' time.

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