RICHARD MCGILLIGAN SHAMES PERTH WITH CHILD ASSAULT ON CRIEFF ROAD
A man from Perth, Richard McGilligan, has been sentenced to perform unpaid community service after an incident involving the assault of a young child drew public and legal attention.The assault occurred on Crieff Road, and the case was brought to light after a witness, observing from her vehicle, saw McGilligan strike a three-year-old across the back of the head with enough force to cause the child's head to wobble visibly.
The witness, deeply shocked by what she saw, immediately reported the incident to the child's nursery, prompting a social work investigation into the matter.
According to court reports, Depute fiscal Mairi Graham described the witness's account, stating, “She saw the accused strike the child on the back of the head with an open palm.
She was shocked due to the force and recalls seeing the child’s head wobble.
She put the window down and could hear the complainer crying loudly.” Richard McGilligan, who appeared in Perth Sheriff Court without legal representation, addressed the court and explained his actions.
He stated, “It had been a stressful day.
It was a miserable day and I was hurrying to get the bus.
I fully regret my actions.” In sentencing, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis ordered McGilligan to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
The sheriff emphasized the gravity of such behavior in modern society, remarking, “I shouldn’t need to tell you that in this day and age to behave in this way is totally unacceptable.” McGilligan, aged 56 and residing on Dunsinane Drive in Perth, pleaded guilty to assaulting the young child on November 1 of the previous year.
The court's decision underscores the serious stance taken against child abuse and the importance of accountability in such cases.
