BRIAN MULGREW FROM AVONBRIDGE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN STIRLING

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Avonbridge, Brian Mulgrew, a 57-year-old surveyor and former member of the Avonbridge Community Hall committee, was convicted of serious sexual offences involving a 14-year-old girl. The incidents, which took place in the vicinity of Avonbridge and Linlithgow, have highlighted disturbing misconduct by a man previously regarded as a respected community figure.

Mulgrew’s criminal actions came to light after a series of events that unfolded in May 2019 and April 2020. The case was scheduled for sentencing in July 2019, but Mulgrew’s own reckless behavior delayed proceedings significantly. On the day he was due to be sentenced, Mulgrew was involved in a car accident on the A706 road leading to Garage House in Linlithgow, which resulted in his hospitalization at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. The accident was attributed to Mulgrew suffering a medical episode, with his defence solicitor, Simon Hutchison, explaining that the incident was caused by side effects from prescribed medication, specifically codeine for headaches, which led to a blackout behind the wheel.

Prior to this incident, the court had heard detailed accounts of Mulgrew’s misconduct. On the night of May 25, 2019, Mulgrew drove the young girl to the Avonbridge Community Hall, located on Blackstone Road, after purchasing alcohol for her and her friends. The beverages included cans of Dragon Soop, a caffeine-laced schnapps drink, and cider. The girl, who was only 14 at the time, believed Mulgrew was concerned about her well-being, as he was responsible for the hall’s management. However, his intentions soon revealed a darker side.

According to the prosecution, Mulgrew parked outside the hall, which he was associated with, and after ensuring no one was watching, he pulled down the girl’s top and sexually assaulted her. During the assault, he told her to pretend he was her boyfriend. The girl, feeling shocked and uncomfortable, told him to stop and called him a “creep” and a “paedo.” Mulgrew attempted to kiss her on the lips but then stopped, claiming he was just joking by saying, “I’m only kidding, hen.”

Following the incident, Mulgrew dropped the girl off with her friends, who later learned of what had transpired. The girl confided in her mother, and Mulgrew later admitted to police that he had given her a lift, making inappropriate comments about her appearance, stating, “She was good looking and had big breasts.”

Police investigations uncovered CCTV footage showing Mulgrew driving into the car park with the girl, contradicting his earlier claims that the hall’s CCTV system had been broken for over a year. The footage proved crucial in establishing his presence at the scene. Mulgrew’s previous criminal record, which included a sexual offence conviction from 1989, was also considered by the court, indicating that a custodial sentence was highly likely.

During the court proceedings, Mulgrew’s defense argued that his actions were “a moment of madness” and that he had shown remorse. It was also noted that he had previously been a respected member of the Avonbridge community, having helped prevent the hall’s closure a few years prior. Despite these mitigating factors, Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist emphasized the gravity of the offences, especially given the young age of the victim. The sheriff stated that, considering Mulgrew’s past conviction and the serious nature of the crimes, a custodial sentence was unavoidable.

On sentencing, Mulgrew was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his misconduct and the community’s need for ongoing protection. The case has left a lasting impact on Avonbridge, raising concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in community settings.