Rapist jailed for sex attack

A CONVICTED rapist who sexually assaulted a vulnerable woman has been jailed for four years.

Douglas McDowall, 53, was also ordered to be monitored in the community for 10 years after his release because of the danger he poses to women.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that McDowall tasked the 60-year-old woman, who has learning difficulties, to make him a coffee before trying to rape her.

She shouted for help and pushed her attacker away when he put his hand over her mouth and pulled his trousers down.

McDowall fled and then phoned the police to confess.

He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rape at the flat in the West End on November 22, last year.

McDowall was jailed for 10 years in 1990, for the rape of an elderly woman

Advocate depute Shanti Maguire , prosecuting said McDowall followed the woman into her home under the pretence he was going to help her secure her house.

The court heard that McDowall then phoned police and told them what he had done. When police spoke to the victim she was “visibly upset” and was taken to a relative’s home.

McDowall told police: “I know what I did was wrong, take me away for a long time.”

Jailing him, Lady Rae said: “It is clear you present a significant risk to the public, but I am advised that will diminish as you get older.”