SEXUAL PREDATOR SPARED JAIL AFTER ATTACKING WOMAN HOLDING BABY
A sex attacker who sexually assaulted a woman whilst she held her infant child has avoided prison — sparking outrage from the victim who says justice has not been served.37-year-old Anthony McGonigale, of New Road, Dalbeattie, was convicted earlier this year after a court heard he forced his groin against the woman during an incident on September 5.
Despite denying the offence, McGonigale was found guilty following a trial where crucial doorbell camera footage captured the shocking assault.
But instead of being jailed, the court handed McGonigale a 12-month community payback order and a fine.
He was also placed under supervision for a year, ordered to complete offender rehabilitation work and attend alcohol and drug counselling.
The victim, who has bravely spoken out anonymously, described how she originally blamed herself and tried to bury the trauma.
“I thought it was my fault,” she explained.
“I just wanted to forget about it.” The turning point came when modern home security footage exposed the truth.
“Luckily the incident was caught on my doorbell camera.
I was holding my one-year-old child at the time,” she said.
The woman revealed she only went to police after McGonigale allegedly continued hostile behaviour towards her following the assault.
“Seeing him again and hearing him shouting at me made me contact police,” she added.
Officers who reviewed the footage reportedly acted immediately.
“The police saw the video and one officer said, ‘That’s sexual assault and it isn’t nice.’” The victim admitted the court process was emotionally exhausting and left her fearing retaliation against herself and her children.
“It wasn’t nice giving evidence and having to relive it all,” she said.
“But seeing the video in court was horrible.” Although relieved by the guilty verdict, she blasted the sentence as too lenient.
“I was happy he was found guilty, but I don’t think the punishment fits the crime,” she said.
“It’s changed my life and how safe I feel.” The survivor is now urging others who experience sexual violence to report offences immediately and seek support.
“My message is simple — if something happens to you, report it straight away.
Nobody should invade your personal space in a sexual way when it isn’t wanted.”
