DAVID MCLEAN PERTH MAN FOUND GUILTY OF MULTIPLE SEX OFFENSES ON TEENAGERS IN EDINBURGH
A 36-year-old man from Perth, David McLean, has been convicted of multiple sexual assault charges involving teenage victims.The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of his predatory behavior spanning several years, with the first victim, a girl aged just 15, targeted at a residence in Perth sometime between January 2017 and January 2018.
One of the victims, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, testified that she was only 15 years old when McLean assaulted her.
She recounted her fear and the sense of helplessness she felt, believing that no one would believe her if she reported the incident to the police.
Her testimony was instrumental in bringing McLean to justice.
The court also heard about another young woman, also unnamed for legal reasons, who was subjected to abuse by McLean.
Her ordeal began when she was only 12 years old in August 2015, and the abuse continued until March 2019.
The evidence presented detailed a pattern of repeated sexual assaults, including a rape at a location in Perth, which was part of the evidence that led to McLean’s conviction.
During the three-day trial, McLean denied all allegations against him.
Both victims provided compelling testimonies, describing the assaults in detail.
The jury deliberated for a morning before returning guilty verdicts on five charges related to the sexual offenses.
Following the verdict, Lord Braid ordered McLean to be remanded in custody pending sentencing scheduled for next month.
The court also heard victim impact statements from both women, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll the abuse had taken on them.
It was also disclosed that McLean has prior convictions, although he had not previously served a prison sentence.
His defense solicitor advocate, Kris Gilmartin, indicated that a background report would be obtained before sentencing.
Gilmartin also confirmed that McLean would not be applying for bail, given the severity of the charges.
In addition to remanding him in custody, Lord Braid placed McLean on the Sex Offenders Register.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Edinburgh next month, where further penalties will be determined for his crimes.
