CRAIG MACMILLAN FROM BEITH AND BISHOPTON SLAPPED WITH PROBATION AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE CASES

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the communities of Beith and Bishopton, Craig Macmillan, aged 43, has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving minors. The incidents span over several years, with allegations dating back to the mid-2000s, and have culminated in a court decision that balances supervision with the risk of incarceration.

One of the most harrowing episodes involved a young girl, who was just 14 years old at the time, and took place at Macmillan’s residence on Lyle Crescent in Bishopton. According to her testimony, she was using a computer in a bedroom within the house when she received a friend request from an unknown individual. Despite her initial skepticism, she accepted the request, which led to a conversation where the stranger claimed to know her friends and attempted to establish a connection.

Things took a disturbing turn when the girl was sent a webcam image depicting a man’s genitals. Recognizing the background in the image, which included her own home’s decor and the television, she identified the man as Craig Macmillan, who was supposed to be caring for her at the time. Shocked and overwhelmed, she quickly closed the computer. Moments later, Macmillan reportedly ran up the stairs, burst into the room where she was, and physically approached her, offering a hug and asking if she was okay. Fearing for her safety, she left the house without informing her mother, citing stress as a reason for her silence.

Macmillan, a salesman by profession, maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying the allegations and claiming he would not engage in such conduct. However, the jury rejected his assertions, convicting him of exposing himself to the girl via webcam and attempting to coerce her into performing sexual acts. The court also found him guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting another young girl, who was between 10 and 14 years old at the time, at the same property between September 2008 and August 2013. The second victim described incidents where Macmillan would expose himself, touch her private parts, and grab her body during the period from September 2008 to September 2010, and again from December 2010 to August 2013.

Following the verdict, social workers assessed Macmillan and concluded that he posed a “high risk of a sexual reconviction.” Despite the severity of the allegations, Sheriff James Spy opted against immediate imprisonment. Instead, he imposed a three-year probation order, requiring Macmillan to complete 240 hours of unpaid community service. The sheriff explained that this approach was preferable, as it would allow authorities to monitor Macmillan more effectively under the supervision of the probation service, with the possibility of bringing him back to court if necessary. Additionally, Macmillan was ordered to register as a sex offender for three years.

Macmillan now resides in Beith, and the court’s decision reflects ongoing concerns about his potential for reoffending. The case has garnered significant attention in the local area, highlighting the importance of safeguarding minors and ensuring offenders are held accountable while under supervision. The court’s ruling underscores the delicate balance between punishment and rehabilitation, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims and serious allegations of sexual misconduct.