By Chris Story

Last updated 13:59, Thursday, 20 November 2008

One of the victims of a rapist policeman has demanded political intervention to stop him using taxpayers’ cash in his legal fight for a bigger pension.

Adam Carruthers

Former inspector Adam Carruthers, who was convicted of raping two women when he worked as a sergeant in Annandale, has been granted Legal Aid in his battle against Dumfries and Galloway Council.

He has allegedly been awarded up to £100,000 to help him in his bid to secure the return of part of his police pension taken off him by the local authority after he was found guilty of his crimes.

It has been claimed that Carruthers was refused the right to a full pension and is now only able to claim a payout equal to the amount of cash he put in.

But, if he were to be successful in his case, one of his victims, who he attacked in her own home while he was in his police uniform, fears it would cause more trauma to those who he raped.

Jane Dearie, who has waived her legal right to anonymity, is angry that council taxpayers in Dumfries and Galloway could have to pay more towards his pension and wants a change in legislation surrounding Legal Aid payments.

Writing on an internet blog, she questioned why public money could be spent on such cases instead of putting more cash into groups which help the victims of crime, including that which “saved her life”.

She said: “He appears to have absolutely nothing to lose as, under current legislation, he is legitimately using taxpayers’ money to fight his case.

“Despite being a convicted sex offender, the legal system works in his favour and is actually aiding his continued legal actions on any front he appears to see fit.”

Ms Dearie is also angry about the difference in the amount to which she was eligible in cash compensation for the mental and physical injuries she suffered compared to that which is available in Legal Aid. She now wants to raise her concerns with politicians, and other agencies.

Shamed Carruthers’ court case made headlines and led to calls for changes in the way police forces investigate their own.

He was released on licence from Kilmarnock Prison in September after serving seven of an 11 year-sentence.

The ex-officer, 45, worked in Langholm before being transferred to Lockerbie.