Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald

Rapist who preyed on woman and boy jailed

- Grant McCabe editorial@ardrossanh­erald.co.uk

A CONVICTED sex offender from Kilwinning who preyed on a woman and young boy has been jailed for 10 years.

Neil Monaghan repeatedly struck during a campaign of rape and abuse spanning more than a decade.

The 41-year-old committed the crimes at various addresses in East and West Dunbartons­hire, as well as Glasgow and Lanarkshir­e, between 2004 and 2015.

Monaghan was found guilty of seven charges, involving the rape and physical assault of both victims, following a trial in March.

After the jury’s verdict, it emerged that Monaghan already had a previous conviction for lewd and libidinous behaviour in 1998.

Monaghan appeared for sentencing via video-link at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, April 18.

Lord Clark told him: “Your position remains that you did not commit the offences, but that is contrary to the jury’s verdict.”

He said Monaghan had not displayed any “remorse or empathy” as a result.

The judge added: “The victim impact statements I have read show the very distressin­g consequenc­es of your crimes.”

Monaghan was also hit with nonharassm­ent orders banning him

from contacting or approachin­g either of the victims.

He was further put on the sex offenders list indefinite­ly.

Tony Graham KC, defending, had earlier told the hearing that Monaghan was “reconciled to a lengthy custodial sentence” given the charges.

 ?? ?? The High Court in Glasgow, where Neil Monaghan was jailed. Image: Newsquest
The High Court in Glasgow, where Neil Monaghan was jailed. Image: Newsquest

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