No bail for man who left walkers in fear

A prowler who hid in bushes beside lanes, and footpaths, jumping out frightening women has been remanded.

Mark Russell, 33, terrified 10 women in Clackmannanshire and in Fife.

His six-month campaign was revealed at Alloa Sheriff Court.

Prosecutor Susannah Hutchison said one 60-year-old feared to go out alone.

Ms Hutchison said: “In December 2019 she became aware of him entering a wooded area near her home.

“As weeks passed, she became aware of him stepping out behind her as she passed.”

She contacted police and Russell was traced and warned.

Less than two months later, however, two women, aged 40 and 44, were frightened by Russell on the old railway line from Dollar to Tillicoultry.

The following month, a 46-year-old mother, walking with her children on the same rail track, saw Russell three feet behind her.

On April 21 2020 he shadowed and terrified an 18-year-old girl on Back Road, Dollar.

On May 3 2020 he was arrested and released after giving an undertaking he would “stay away” from paths.

He breached this four days later by “staring” at two 28-year-old women walkers.

He also “scared” a 31-year-old woman runner and a 52-yearold woman walking home in Alva. He also frightened a 58-year-old running alone near the Linn Mill Bridge.

Russell, of Dollar, Clackmannanshire, had previously pled guilty to eight offences of threatening behaviour.

Revoking bail Sheriff Neil Bowie said it was no longer safe for him to be at large while a report was prepared by a forensic psychologist.

Revoking bail, he deferred sentence until January 6.