A detective constable facing disciplinary action after admitting to attempted fraud involving a forged document in her divorce proceedings could be dismissed from police service. Michelle McFadden, 46, appeared in court earlier this month and pleaded guilty to a single charge related to providing false information during her separation process.

McFadden was arrested in October 2024 but had remained employed on full pay under restricted duties since then. Following her guilty plea, her future with Police Scotland is now uncertain, with officials considering whether to impose a reprimand or proceed with dismissal.

According to the charge, McFadden knowingly misrepresented the status of funds held in a Scottish Police Credit Union account between March 7 and May 1, 2024. She informed her divorce lawyers, Tony Caplan and David Forbes, as well as her former partner, Mark McLennan, that the account held no funds. The balance in question was £2,300, which would have been classified as joint matrimonial assets. However, McFadden forged a document to create the false impression that the account balance was zero.

McFadden’s bail address is listed as Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department in Glasgow’s Dalmarnock. The original figure cited in the charge was £4,600 but was later amended to £2,300. The sentencing hearing was postponed to allow for background reports to be prepared.

Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall said the force was aware of the court’s outcome and reaffirmed that officers are required to uphold professional standards both on and off duty. He emphasized that breaches would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures taken in response.

The case was initially brought to public attention in January and has since raised questions about misconduct within police ranks. The decision on McFadden’s employment status is expected following completion of internal disciplinary procedures.