Man in court over three West End ‘sexual assaults’
A GLASGOW estate agent has hit back after locals complained his ‘mini car park’ outside the West End shop has effectively eroded a pedestrian footpath.
Residents took to Twitter to take a pop at Clyde Property, on Byres Road for parking branded vehicles outside the shop on Havelock Street. The area has been newly tarred by the council including the pavement.
One local resident said: “I think Clyde’s stance is that they own the property immediately outside their shop but they have no right to drive back and forth over busy Byres Road footpath through pedestrians to access it.
Clyde Property owner Gary Thomson said: “We have permission to park there, we own the space, we only ever park four vehicles there. If I thought it was impeding the pedestrian footpath, I’d take action. We use the space for our Fiat 500s which are used by our letting agents.”
AMAN was due to appear in court yesterday charged in connection with a spate of “sexual assaults” in the West End of Glasgow. An investigation was launched following three alleged attacks carried out in the Partick and North Woodside areas on October 17, and a separate attack in Hillhead on October 24.
Following the third incident, which officers now believe are linked, a 34-year-old man was arrested.
Officers have now confirmed he has been charged in connection with all three of the alleged attacks.
Detective Inspector Suzanne McNulty, of the Public Protection Unit in Govan, said: “Officers in Glasgow carried out inquiries following reports that three women had been the victim of sexual assaults in the West End of the city between
October 17 and October 31.
“Extensive inquires were ongoing into these incidents which were linked following information which came to light following the third attack.
“A 34-year-old man was arrested on November 2 and has now been charged in connection with all three of these incidents.
“He is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.
“In every serious crime reported to police, officers carefully consider whether or not it is appropriate to proactively make the circumstances public.
“This is continually assessed throughout the investigation to ensure the safety of victims and the wider public is protected.
“We will continue to liaise with Glasgow University and the surrounding communities as part of our continued investigations into this.”
Officers are also investigating reports that a 20-year-old woman was raped in Sutherland Lane, near to the University of Glasgow library, in the early hours of Thursday, October 31.
Following the announcement on Tuesday that officers were investigating the incidents, Glasgow University announced they were increasing security patrols and lighting on campus.
They added: “Incidents like this are rare and student & staff safety is of the utmost importance to the University.
“If you have any concerns or information to report, please contact our security team (0141 330 4282) or Police Scotland on 101.
The university union, GUU, has also since warned students regarding their safety and wellbeing as a result of the incidents.
They wrote on social media: “In light of recent events around campus, here’s an important message to remember and bear in mind, especially after our club nights. “Please don’t walk home alone. “At GUU, we follow a duty of care and want to look out for you.
“Please do not walk home or back to your halls alone at night.
“Find a friend to share a taxi with. The Glasgow Taxis number is 0141 429 7070”
“You are always welcome into the building as a safe space.
“You can speak to a member of staff or speak to a fellow student by asking for “duty board” if you need help or need anything at all.
“The GUU loves you.”