No criminal action to be taken against Sheriff Jack Brown

Jack Brown, 59, who was appointed to the sheriffdom in 2016, was arrested and charged in January over the claims.

Last night, however, the Crown Office announced that it will not be taking further action, following “full and careful consideration of the facts”. 

A spokesman said: “The procurator fiscal deals with every case on its own individual facts and circumstances and will take action where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.”

Separately, a disciplinary probe led by Lord Bracadale, assisted by Sheriff Alistair Duff, director of the Judicial Institute of Scotland and Angela Grahame QC, Vice-Dean of Faculty, is examining the case.

A Judicial Office for Scotland spokeswoman said: “The suspension from office of Sheriff Jack Brown presently remains in place.”