WILLIAM BANNIGAN'S SHOCKING ATTACK IN PERTHSHIRE: SEX OFFENDER CHASES AND BEATS WOMEN IN RATTRAY NEAR BLAIRGOWRIE

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the community of Perthshire, William Bannigan, a man with a troubling criminal history, was involved in a violent altercation at a Scotmid store located in Rattray, near Blairgowrie. The incident unfolded around 6 pm on June 30 of the previous year, when Bannigan, aged 49, who has been registered as a sex offender since 2012, engaged in a reckless and aggressive act that resulted in him chasing down and assaulting two women.

According to court records, Bannigan’s actions were triggered following an argument outside the store. Witnesses reported that he became aggressive after overhearing remarks made by the women, which appeared to provoke him. The situation escalated quickly, with Bannigan pursuing the women into the store and physically attacking them. The assault was severe enough to warrant legal action, and Bannigan was subsequently charged with two counts of assault.

During the court proceedings, Bannigan pleaded guilty to the charges. Despite his prior conviction and a previous incident in 2016 involving an assault on another woman, the court opted against imposing a custodial sentence. Instead, Sheriff Neil Bowie sentenced Bannigan to complete the maximum allowable community service of 300 hours of unpaid work. The sheriff explained that Bannigan had managed to stay out of serious trouble for several years, which influenced his decision.

In his defense, Bannigan’s solicitor, David Holmes, argued that his client was provoked by overheard remarks. Holmes stated that Bannigan was simply minding his own business when he heard one of the women say, “there are perverts everywhere,” and then turn to Bannigan with the question, “What are you looking at?” Holmes further mentioned that Bannigan had previously appealed his 2012 conviction, emphasizing that his client had been subjected to significant provocation, especially since the women used the word “pervert” in their conversation within earshot.

However, Sheriff Bowie was clear in his stance, asserting that regardless of any provocation, physical assault was unjustifiable. The sheriff emphasized that Bannigan’s past conduct was a relevant factor but ultimately decided that community service was the appropriate punishment. He stated, “Even if you felt you were being spoken about, you cannot assault people in this way.”

The case also drew parallels to Bannigan’s previous conviction from 2016, when he assaulted a woman named Rebecca McDonald after claiming she had directed an upsetting remark towards him. Bannigan had stopped to ask her why she addressed him in such a manner, and after the altercation, he left her with reddening around her eye before cycling away. This history of violence underscores the ongoing issues related to Bannigan’s conduct and the challenges faced by the justice system in managing repeat offenders in Perthshire.