NICHOLAS CRAIG FROM EAST KILBRIDE JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN LANARKSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of East Kilbride, Nicholas Craig has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in an attempted sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place on March 15, 2017, at a residence within the town, where Craig was entrusted with the care of the young girl while her mother was at work.

During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, the victim, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, provided a harrowing account of the events through a video interview played to the jury. She tearfully recounted how Craig, who was supposed to be looking after her, suddenly behaved inappropriately. According to her testimony, Craig asked her for a hug, which she initially thought was innocent. However, she described how he then began hugging, kissing, and touching her in a manner that made her feel uncomfortable and scared.

The girl explained that Craig pulled down his trousers during the encounter, leaving her shocked and frightened. She stated, “I was a bit shocked and a bit scared as well. He lay down on the bed with me. I was facing down. I didn’t know what had happened. I was in shock and I was upset.” When asked about Craig’s demeanor during the incident, she responded that he continued as if it was a normal act, which added to her distress. Her immediate reaction was to jump up and declare she was going for a shower, after which she spent approximately 30 minutes in the bathroom.

Following the incident, the girl contacted a friend via Snapchat, revealing her emotional state. She told the court that her friend asked her what was wrong, and she admitted to crying and feeling upset. She also explained that her friend advised her to inform her mother about what had happened. The police were subsequently called to the scene, and forensic examinations were conducted on her clothing and underwear to gather evidence.

In addition to the attempted rape charge, Craig was convicted of making or recording a moving image of himself touching a woman’s buttocks on August 5, 2013. He also admitted to recording the girl’s buttocks and touching her inappropriately. Craig, who resides at Dunlop Tower, did not testify in his own defense but denied the charges of attempted rape and the creation of the recording involving the woman.

He is a father of three children and was remanded in custody following his conviction. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on February 25, with Judge Tom Hughes presiding. The case has brought to light serious concerns about the safety and well-being of minors in the community, and the court’s decision aims to reflect the gravity of Craig’s actions.