GRAHAM MURRAY SENTENCED IN WISHAW FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 8-YEAR-OLD BOY IN PUB TOILETS

In August 2016, a disturbing incident unfolded in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, involving a man named Graham Murray, aged 38, who committed a heinous sexual assault against an eight-year-old boy in a local pub. The assault took place within the confines of a public house's toilet facilities, leaving a community shaken and raising serious concerns about child safety in public spaces.

According to court proceedings, Murray followed the young boy into the restroom after the child had gone to see the Christmas lights being switched on in Wishaw. While the boy was inside a toilet cubicle, Murray approached and began banging on the door, demanding entry. The child, initially refusing, eventually opened the door, at which point Murray forced his way inside. Once inside, he subjected the boy to sexual molestation and made inappropriate, disgusting remarks, including telling the child he would make him a superhero—a comment that added a disturbing layer to the assault.

The attack was interrupted when Stephen Todd, a quantity surveyor, entered the scene. In a moment of panic, Murray falsely claimed to Mr. Todd that he was the boy's father, attempting to deflect suspicion. Sensing the urgency, Murray then fled the pub, which was identified as a JD Wetherspoon's establishment in Wishaw. The incident left the young victim traumatized, and his family deeply distressed.

Graham Murray was subsequently brought to trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court. During the proceedings in November 2015, Murray denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence and labeling the allegations as false. The young boy, now nine years old, bravely testified in court, recounting his terrifying experience. He described how Murray told him he would make him a superhero, and how he was overwhelmed with fear, crying and shaking as Murray entered the cubicle. The boy also recounted how another man entered the restroom at one point, and how Murray falsely claimed to be his father, instructing him to stay quiet to avoid detection.

Despite Murray's vehement denial, the jury took only thirty minutes to reach a verdict, convicting him of the sexual assault. The court sentenced him to a prison term of two years. Additionally, Murray received a further nine months' imprisonment after admitting to intimidating Mr. Todd during the trial by sending threatening messages via Facebook, attempting to evade justice. Upon release, Murray will be subject to a two-year license period, during which he must adhere to strict conditions.

Legal representatives for Murray, including his defense lawyer Margaret Chalmers, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. She stated, "He must face the consequences of the jury’s decision. He had a normal, loving family background. His mother is at a loss why this is happening and it is affecting his family as a whole. It is a very difficult position to be able to put forward any mitigation. This is something that will affect him for the rest of his life and there is nothing I can say because he is adamant of his position. It is incomprehensible for someone of his age to be facing this."

The young victim's mother expressed her pride in her son's bravery, saying, "Our son was the bravest, most articulate and intelligent little boy giving his evidence, we can’t be more proud of him and he is happy this ‘thing’ has been locked up."

Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen commended the courage of the young boy and the actions of Stephen Todd, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and support. He stated, "I commend the bravery of the boy and his presence of mind when faced with this sexual assault by calling out for help. I commend Stephen Todd’s actions in looking after the child and bringing it to the attention of the family. His gran said she was grateful and the family and the wider society owe Mr. Todd a great deal of gratitude. The court also thanks him for what he did."

The sheriff further highlighted the profound impact on the victim, noting that the child's innocence and trust had been severely compromised. He condemned Murray’s actions as a disgraceful attack on a defenseless child for his own sexual gratification, emphasizing that Murray showed no remorse. The court concluded that Murray’s flight from justice was due to his continued denial of the crime, and therefore, custody was deemed the appropriate sentence. Murray was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from future harm.