In a surprising turn of events, Ellie Wilson, a well-known rape survivor and advocate against sexual violence, has been arrested and charged with domestic abuse-related offences. The charges come just months after Wilson’s own attacker was sentenced to five years in prison for two counts of rape.
According to a statement from Police Scotland, the 28-year-old former Glasgow University student has been “arrested and charged and released on an undertaking to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 23 April 2026.” The nature of the domestic abuse allegations has not been disclosed.
Wilson, who waived her right to anonymity, rose to prominence for her tireless campaigning on behalf of victims of sexual assault. In a high-profile case last year, she had secretly recorded her rapist, Daniel McFarlane, admitting to the crimes he committed against her between December 2017 and February 2018. McFarlane was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison, in addition to being placed on the sex offenders register.
The news of Wilson’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider advocacy network, with many expressing disbelief and concern over the development. Some have questioned whether the charges against Wilson could undermine her credibility and impact her work in supporting survivors of sexual violence.
However, it is important to note that the allegations against Wilson are unproven, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case is set to be heard at the Glasgow Sheriff Court on 23 April 2026, and the public will be closely watching the proceedings to understand the full context and implications of the charges.
As the investigation continues, the community and the media will undoubtedly scrutinise the case closely, balancing the need for accountability with the complexities of domestic abuse allegations, particularly when they involve prominent figures in the advocacy space. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for Wilson’s future work and the broader movement against sexual violence.
