ALEXANDER MCILRAVIE SENTENCED IN BURNTISLAND FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN FIFE

A man identified as Alexander McIlravie has been sentenced to four years in prison following a serious and disturbing incident involving an attempted sexual assault in Fife. The incident took place while a 31-year-old woman was out walking her dogs along a public pathway, an activity that many residents of Burntisland and the surrounding areas often enjoy as part of their daily routine.

On November 11, 2015, at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, McIlravie, aged 26 and a resident of Burntisland, was found guilty of assault with intent to rape. The court proceedings revealed the severity of the attack and the impact it had on the victim. As part of his sentence, McIlravie was also subjected to a lifelong restriction order, a measure that restricts his activities and access to certain environments, and he was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.

The judge presiding over the case, Lord Uist, described the social work report on McIlravie as particularly bleak, highlighting not only the circumstances of this recent attack but also revealing a troubling history of similar offenses committed when he was just 13 and 15 years old. This pattern of behavior raised serious concerns about his potential threat to the community.

During the court's detailed account of the incident, Lord Uist explained that McIlravie ran up behind the woman as she was walking along a path with her two dogs on leads. Without warning, he jumped onto her back and forcibly brought her to the ground. The court heard that McIlravie then positioned himself on top of her, pinning her face down using his body weight. The attack left the woman visibly distressed, with her hair disheveled and her clothing soaked and covered in sand and water from the surface of the promenade where the assault occurred.

The judge emphasized the terrifying nature of the assault and its profound impact on the victim's daily life. He stated that, had it not been for the intervention of her dogs, McIlravie might have proceeded to commit a more heinous act. The court also noted that McIlravie had been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder and psychopathic personality disorder, conditions that contributed to the assessment of him as a highly dangerous individual.

Police Scotland's Detective Inspector Paul Dick expressed his appreciation for the victim's bravery and resilience throughout the ordeal and during the court proceedings. He also acknowledged the efforts of witnesses, detectives, and police officers involved in the investigation, emphasizing their dedication in bringing McIlravie to justice. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the justice system in addressing violent and predatory behavior, especially from individuals with a history of similar offenses.