RUTHERGLEN MAN ANTHONY MCNICOL JAILED FOR FOLLOWING SCHOOLGIRLS IN HIS CAR

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Rutherglen, Anthony McNicol, a 29-year-old leisure attendant, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of a series of disturbing incidents involving young girls in the area. The incidents took place over a six-month period from January to June 2011, during which McNicol engaged in behavior that caused significant fear and discomfort among the victims.

McNicol, who resided on Edinbeg Avenue in Rutherglen, was accused of following five schoolgirls in his vehicle, engaging in inappropriate conduct, and making comments that were deemed threatening and unsettling. Despite his denial of the charges and his attempt to present alibis through special defenses, the jury found him guilty of actions that frightened the young girls. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years.

The court proceedings revealed harrowing accounts from the five girls, who, for legal reasons, cannot be named. They described feeling scared and uneasy during their encounters with McNicol. Two of the girls, aged 13 and 14, reported seeing McNicol sitting in his car, staring at them, and then slowly driving past and following them without any verbal communication. One of these girls took note of McNicol’s vehicle registration number and reported the incident to the authorities.

Another girl, who was alone after school in June, encountered McNicol, who called her “gorgeous” and asked for her phone number. The girl was so distressed by the encounter that she called her mother in tears a week later after seeing him again, prompting her to report the matter to the police. Additionally, two more girls aged 12 and 13 were approached separately by McNicol in June. He called them “gorgeous” and inquired if they wanted a lift, further escalating the concern among the community.

One of these girls managed to note part of McNicol’s vehicle registration and provided a description of the car, which was subsequently reported to the police. The court heard that McNicol, who was working at Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow during these incidents, continued his employment even after being on bail and following his conviction, performing administrative duties at the facility.

During the trial, defense lawyer Philip McWilliams acknowledged that McNicol understood the consequences of his actions and accepted the court’s judgment. The court also heard that Sheriff Sam Cathcart deferred the case for further reports and continued bail arrangements. The conviction has left the community and the families of the victims deeply concerned, with one mother expressing her feelings after the verdict. She stated, “I’m obviously not very happy he’s out on bail, he’s on the sex offenders register after all. But I’m glad he’s been found guilty.”