Predator who sexually assaulted two young girls after dragging them off street jailed
Regan McClinton, 21, followed and attacked both children within less than 30 minutes of each other in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.
A predator who sexually assaulted two young girls after dragging them off the street in a bid to rape them has been jailed for over six years.
Regan McClinton, 21, followed and attacked both children within less than 30 minutes of each other in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire. The then 18-year-old was caught on CCTV following the first girl as she walked on Broompark Road in broad daylight on April 22, 2023.
He grabbed the 15-year-old by the hair and body before dragging her into an alleyway where he took away her mobile phone. McClinton, of Blantyre, subjected the child to a sexual and physical assault, which ended after members of the public intervened.
Just minutes later, after fleeing the scene, McClinton attacked an 11-year-old girl, who had been walking with a friend on the nearby Burnbrae Road. He pulled the child into an alleyway where he physically assaulted and attempted to rape her, all to her severe injury.
Another member of the public came to the girl’s aid after hearing screaming and recognised McClinton. A picture taken by the witness showed McClinton walking down a road wearing a green hooded jumper following the attack.
He was then captured in CCTV footage entering a shop as he was seen in discussion with two members of staff, who were standing behind a counter. The prosecution led a variety of evidence at the trial including CCTV, DNA evidence and eyewitness accounts.
McClinton was sentenced to six years and nine months with a further two-years on licence at the High Court in Kilmarnock on Thursday. This will involve a period of six years and nine months in custody with a two-year extended sentence. His name has also been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and indefinite non-harassment orders were also granted.
Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Regan McClinton subjected both girls to horrific ordeals within minutes of each other and only a short distance apart. These children should have been safe going about their business but were instead targeted by this dangerous and opportunistic offender.
“He has now been held accountable following this prosecution, which was made possible using evidence from both children and the members of the public who thankfully interrupted both attacks. This type of offending will not be tolerated, and I hope this conviction sends a clear message to those who seek to sexually harm others.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced similar crime to report it when you feel ready. You will be listened to and supported as we use every tool available in seeking justice.”
Detective Inspector Lorraine Wilson said: “McClinton’s abhorrent actions have caused significant harm to his victims, and he has now been held to account.
"We hope this outcome brings them some degree of reassurance.
"We remain committed to investigating reports of sexual abuse and ensuring that responsible face the consequences of their actions.
"We would encourage anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to report it. They will be treated with sensitivity and supported by specially trained officers."