CLYDEBANK SEX OFFENDER JOSEPH MAXWELL FORCED OUT BY NEIGHBORS AFTER EARLY JAIL RELEASE

In October 2011, Joseph Maxwell, a 39-year-old convicted sex offender from Clydebank near Glasgow, was driven from his home by angry local residents following his early release from prison. Maxwell, who has set up a painting and decorating business in the town, was originally charged with raping his 15-year-old niece. In March of the previous year, he was sentenced to three years in the High Court in Edinburgh after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of indecent assault on the girl, claiming he was too intoxicated to remember the incident.

Maxwell, a father of seven, preyed on his niece during her father Stephen’s 40th birthday and Hogmanay celebration in 2007. The victim, Justine, aged 18 at the time of the report, recounted how Maxwell assaulted her while her friend slept in her parents’ bed. She explained, 'To be abused once is bad enough but twice is unbearable. My uncle has ruined my life. I feel dead inside and worthless. I was very close to my uncle. He used to call me his wee princess but he is nothing but a sex beast who preyed on me when I was vulnerable.'

Following Maxwell's release last month, he moved into a house in Dalmuir, Clydebank. However, local neighbors, unaware of his past initially, became concerned when they learned about his history, **one neighbor stating:** "We don’t want a paedophile living around here with all the children in the street. We had no idea who he was at first and he was visiting folk’s homes painting and decorating. What he did was disgusting. He’s not welcome in Clydebank."** Due to the hostility, Maxwell has relocated to another part of town and continues his work as a decorator.

In a separate account, Justine described her heartbreak, saying, "He has ruined my life. I feel dead inside and worthless. I will never be able to trust anyone again. I was very close to my uncle. He used to call me his wee princess but he is nothing but a sex beast who preyed on me when I was vulnerable."

Maxwell's past includes a previous conviction for abusing a young girl in Yorkshire at age seven, and he has a history of sexual offenses, notably against his niece. Her father, Stephen Maxwell, expressed outrage, stating, **"Three years for ruining my daughter’s life is absolutely shocking. He is a disgusting paedophile and he will strike again when he gets out. He used to call my daughter his wee princess and he was very supportive when we brought Justine back to Scotland after she was attacked the first time. I had no idea he was just paving the way to use and abuse her again. I will never forgive him for what he has done."** Stephen, a 43-year-old lab analyst and father of four, has attempted suicide multiple times due to the trauma and guilt he feels over his daughter's victimization.

Justice was seen as insufficient by the family, with Stephen criticizing the sentence: **"He only got three years. That is nothing for a wasted life. I feel disgusted and let down by the justice system. He will be out soon and I can't sleep at night for fear of that day."** Lord Brailsford, the presiding judge, acknowledged the seriousness of Maxwell's plea, saying, **"I find the explanation of a complete lack of memory caused by alcohol a difficult one to come to terms with."** Maxwell’s defense expressed remorse, with counsel Margaret Breslin stating, **“He is thoroughly disgusted with himself and deeply sorry.”**

The family’s outrage was compounded by the father’s threats, as Stephen Maxwell threatened violence toward his brother, Joseph, once he is released. The story underscores a disturbing pattern of abuse and community hostility faced by Maxwell's victims and their families, highlighting the lasting impact of sexual assault and the community’s response to those involved.