D&G constable tramples rights of Kirkcudbright sanctuary owner

Although Bram Stoker’s infamous blood-sucking antagonist may have his bad points, one must admit that Count Dracula does, at least, have one redeeming feature: he will only enter someone’s property when invited. 

Sadly, it would seem that Dumfries & Galloway’s very own soulless fraternity of the undead are incapable of such etiquette.We are, of course, referring to Police Scotland, whose thugs in uniform seem to subsist by feeding on the vital essence of the living, just like the legendary Count. In a surprise to no-one, their uniformed criminals have once again stooped to yet another low – this time with the illegal entry into the property of Alexis Fleming, founder of The Maggie Fleming Animal Hospice and Karass Sanctuary near Kirkcudbright, the story of which she authored in the 2021 publication No Life Too Small.

And the reason for PC Lightfoot’s unlawful harassment and trespass? The alleged theft of a dog Alexis claims she’d rescued from years of abuse and neglect.

In a widely-viewed series of videos on the hospice’s social media page, Constable Lightfoot can be seen standing well within the building, without a warrant, and despite being repeatedly made aware that he was not welcome. His excuse? – that he wanted to get her attention and that the door was unlocked, and therefore he considered the property to be insecure. Which, of course, is a lie.

The lies did not end there. Lightfoot went on to cite “common law powers of entry” – none of which applied in the circumstances. He then stated the common myth that “Trespass is not a law in Scotland”. Perhaps someone can inform PC Lightfoot that the Trespass (Scotland) Act 1865 is still in effect to this day.

The video from 31st May shows Alexis bravely standing her ground against the arrogant, hands-in-pockets officer who, along with his colleague, had no legitimate response to Ms Fleming’s questions and justifiable outrage. Worse was yet to come when Alexis was recently arrested by three male officers – an incident that left her badly bruised in the process. Alexis was kept in the cells for over nine hours before being charged and released, leaving her traumatised and with PTSD as a result.

Alexis and her friend Kerry have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received since the incidents – including legal advice. “We’re being shown the two polar opposites of what’s happening in the world just now. There’s the people who will throw you in a cell and humiliate you… and then there’s the people that have shown us there is still good in the world, and that’s what we’re fighting for… that’s what this is really about, and I promise you we’re not going to give up the fight.”

We salute Alexis for her stoicism in the face of adversity and intimidation by Police Scotland’s belligerent officers, and we can be sure that our readers will wholeheartedly support her cause.

As for the soulless, energy-draining, lower-than-a-vampire PC Lightfoot, we can only hope that he is given a severe reprimand for his unacceptable conduct, along with an education in the law.

Or a trip to Transylvania for a lesson in manners.

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