Scottish Government approves legal aid for private prosecution of David Goodwillie
In 2017 a civil court ruled that the disgraced footballer raped Denise Clair in 2011, but no criminal charges have been filed.
Last updated 23rd Feb 2025
The Scottish Government has approved a legal aid application for the private prosecution of disgraced footballer David Goodwillie for rape.
A civil court ruled in 2017 that Goodwillie, who now plays for West of Scotland League side Glasgow United, and former teammate David Robertson raped Denise Clair, but no criminal charges have been filed against the pair.
Ms Clair is seeking a rare private prosecution, where an individual seeks to prosecute rather than the Crown, but is reliant on financial assistance from the Government to go ahead.
After a long-running application, which First Minister John Swinney said in November was taking too long, ministers announced today that legal aid has been granted.
READ MORE: David Goodwillie vows to 'speak my truth' after another club cancels his deal.
"I have waited all this time."
Speaking to the Sunday Post - which has championed Ms Clair's cause - she said: "I am elated that after all these years, I can finally begin the journey to proper justice.
"I have waited all this time to have the facts of this case tested in criminal court.
"It is disappointing that the Scottish Government made me wait an agonising extra year for a decision they could have made in 24 hours given they agree how exceptional this case is.
She added: "I'm determined to see this journey to the bitter end for me and every other rape victim let down by our criminal justice system."
The newspaper reported that the funding amounts to just £2,500.
Rare private prosecution
Private prosecutions in Scotland are rare, with the groundbreaking Carol X case in 1982 being the last successful case.
It was a case involving the rape and attack of a woman on the streets of Glasgow, who was later judged too traumatised to give evidence against her three attackers in court.
It was one of only two to succeed in Scotland in the 20th century. The other involved a fraud case in 1909.
READ MORE: Glasgow United face losing ground if they sign David Goodwillie.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: "This has been a particularly unique and complex case which required detailed consideration.
"After careful assessment ministers have decided to award legal aid in this case."