EWAN TOGHILL SHOCKS PAISLEY AND AYRSHIRE WITH SEX OFFENSES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRLS
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Paisley and Ayrshire, Ewan Toghill, a 39-year-old man, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving underage girls and was subsequently placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.The incidents, which took place over a span of several years, involved Toghill abusing two schoolgirls while they sat on his living room couch, with the assaults occurring at his homes in Paisley’s Fereneze Drive and Brown Street, as well as at a property in Dalry, Ayrshire.
According to court records, Toghill’s misconduct was first brought to light during a trial at Paisley Sheriff Court last year.
The prosecution detailed how Toghill had assaulted a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old girl on separate occasions, both times while they were visiting his residence.
The court heard that in one instance, Toghill attempted to justify his inappropriate contact by claiming he was reaching for the television remote, a defense that was met with skepticism by the judge.
Prosecutor Frank Clarke described the disturbing details of the incidents.
He explained that the older girl, who was 15 at the time, was sitting on a settee with a friend when Toghill touched her inner thigh.
The girl, confused and unaware of his intentions, asked him what he was doing, to which Toghill responded, “Sorry pal, I was just trying to get the remote.” The court was also told that the younger girl, aged 14, was similarly assaulted while sitting on the same sofa in Toghill’s Paisley home.
He placed his hand on her leg and rubbed her thigh, actions that occurred while she was distracted watching television.
The court heard that these incidents happened during the period from December 1, 2015, to January 31, 2016, at Toghill’s residence in Paisley’s Fereneze Drive.
Additionally, similar behavior was reported at a property in Brown Street, where he assaulted the younger girl between December 1, 2014, and New Year’s Eve.
The victims, both visitors to Toghill’s homes, were described as being caught off guard while watching television, with the assaults taking place on a brown corner settee.
Further allegations involved a woman in Ayrshire, who claimed Toghill had touched her inappropriately while she was sleeping at his Dalry address in 2014.
Although her memory of the event was hazy, she recalled waking up to find herself being fondled and described the incident as sexually inappropriate.
During the court proceedings, Toghill was visibly shaken as the guilty verdicts were read.
The judge, Sheriff Colin Pettigrew, emphasized the sexual nature of his offenses and ordered a series of penalties.
Toghill was placed on a Community Payback Order requiring him to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender and fined £500 for breaching bail conditions and failing to sign the register within the designated timeframe.
In addition to the penalties, the court transferred the case to North Ayrshire Council social workers, as Toghill had since moved to Ayrshire.
Sheriff Pettigrew noted that the social workers had been involved in his case and that this transfer would facilitate ongoing supervision.
The court also considered the fact that Toghill had completed 148 of the 300 hours of unpaid work, expressing confidence that he would fulfill the remaining hours.
The judge highlighted the pattern of offending, stating, “The incidents occurred when the victims were distracted watching television, and they took place on a brown corner settee.” He further remarked that the victims were young girls, emphasizing the seriousness of the sexual element involved.
A sentencing date was set for July 24, when further measures, including potential restrictions on Toghill’s ability to work with children, would be considered.
