MARK LAVERY'S HORRIFIC ATTEMPTED RAPE IN HAMILTON SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In a disturbing incident that has left the community of Hamilton in South Lanarkshire shaken, a man named Mark Lavery, aged 32, was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempting to commit a sexual assault on a teenage girl. The crime took place on April 2 of the previous year, and it was only through the brave intervention of three young witnesses that the assault was thwarted.

According to reports, three children, all aged 13, were present at a bus stop on Burnbank Road when they observed Lavery approaching a 16-year-old girl. They quickly recognized the danger and took immediate action by alerting the police, which proved crucial in preventing what could have been a tragic outcome. Lavery, who later admitted to the sexual assault, was caught in the act and arrested at the scene.

The court heard that Lavery's attack began with him following the girl after she left the bus stop. He then abducted her, grabbing her around the throat and threatening to stab her if she resisted. Despite her efforts to escape, managing to break free twice during the ordeal, Lavery persisted and caught up with her each time. The situation escalated when he dragged her into a nearby lane, where he attempted to carry out a sexual assault.

Fortunately, the three schoolchildren witnessed the attack and immediately called the police. Their quick thinking and bravery were instrumental in stopping Lavery from completing his assault. When law enforcement officers arrived, the children directed them to the exact location where Lavery was still attempting to assault the girl. The police managed to apprehend Lavery, bringing an end to his violent attempt.

Judge Lord Hardie, presiding over the case, commended the young witnesses for their courage and quick action. He emphasized the severity of the crime and the profound psychological impact such an assault can have on a young person. The judge described the attack as horrific and expressed that, without the intervention of the children, the outcome could have been far worse.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Hardie ordered that Lavery be subject to an additional eight years of monitoring after his release from prison, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed the case. The community and the victim’s family have been left deeply affected by the incident, highlighting the importance of vigilance and community support in preventing such crimes.