MATTHEW MCLEAN FROM COUPAR ANGUS FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN EAST PERTHSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the small community of Coupar Angus, a local man named Matthew Mclean has been convicted of a serious sexual assault that took place in 2019. The incident occurred at a private residence within the town, where the victim, a woman who was asleep at the time, was subjected to a distressing and non-consensual attack.

According to court proceedings, Mclean, aged 33 and residing on Princes Croft in Coupar Angus, forcibly engaged in sexual acts with the woman while she was unconscious. The court heard that the assault involved Mclean placing his hands beneath her clothing, squeezing her breasts, and grabbing her buttocks. Subsequently, he penetrated her with his fingers, an act that the court described as beginning “while she was sleeping and incapable of giving consent.”

During the four-day trial at Perth Sheriff Court, the jury was presented with evidence from the victim, who testified that she was sober at the time of the incident. She recounted that she had fallen asleep after drinking approximately ten pints of lager earlier in the evening, along with a couple of cans just before she went to sleep. The prosecution’s case was bolstered by the testimony of a second witness, who revealed that Mclean had also sexually assaulted her in 2011. Although Mclean was never convicted of that earlier offence, the witness’s statement was used to support the victim’s account under a legal principle known as “mutual corroboration.”

Despite Mclean’s vehement denial, claiming he had gone straight to bed after drinking heavily and that his memory was not clouded by alcohol, the jury took less than three hours to reach a verdict. They found him guilty of the single charge of sexual assault. Following the conviction, the court was informed that Mclean would be placed on the sex offenders register and that he would face sentencing in the upcoming year.

Prosecutor Duncan McKenzie urged the jury to believe the victim’s straightforward testimony, emphasizing her clarity and consistency. The defense, represented by Duncan McPhie, indicated that he would reserve his plea of mitigation until sentencing. Sheriff Alison McKay stated that she was not in a position to sentence Mclean immediately but confirmed that, as a result of the conviction, he would be subject to the sex offenders register. Additionally, Mclean will undergo assessments for possible participation in the Tay Project, a rehabilitation scheme for sex offenders. The court may also impose a non-harassment order to further protect the victim.

It was noted during proceedings that Mclean had previous convictions, although none were deemed relevant to this particular case. The community of Coupar Angus now awaits the sentencing, which will determine the severity of the punishment for Mclean’s actions, but the conviction itself marks a significant moment in the ongoing effort to address and combat sexual violence within the region.