GREENOCK MAN DANIEL BYRNE SENTENCED FOR SICKENING SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL IN GREENOCK

In August 2017, a disturbing case unfolded at Greenock Sheriff Court involving Daniel Byrne, a 32-year-old man from Greenock, who was convicted of a heinous sexual assault against a young girl, the daughter of his long-term partner. The court heard harrowing details of Byrne’s actions, which took place while the girl was vulnerable and unwell, and the profound breach of trust that his conduct represented.

According to court records, Byrne had repeatedly entered the girl’s bedroom during a period when she was lying in bed with a throat infection, dressed in her pajamas. Despite her illness, Byrne’s behavior was intrusive and predatory. The court was told that he would stare at her as she rested, waiting for moments when she was alone in her room, which he shared with her mother. On at least two occasions, Byrne crossed boundaries by groping her breast and asking if she was 'okay,' actions that caused significant distress to the young girl.

The incident that led to Byrne’s arrest and subsequent conviction occurred after the girl, seeking to fix a television in her room, asked for help. It was during this time that Byrne seized the opportunity to carry out his assault. The court heard that Byrne sat beside the girl, rubbing her back with his left hand, then her shoulder, and further down her front, over her pyjama top and bra. Prosecutor Kevin Doherty detailed that Byrne placed his hand inside her bra, rubbing her right breast, which made the girl uncomfortable and prompted her to sit up and try to discourage him. Despite her resistance, Byrne continued his inappropriate conduct, eventually hugging her and again touching her breast.

Following the incident, the girl confided in her mother the next morning, describing what Byrne had done. Her mother, who had been in a relationship with Byrne for seven years, was immediately devastated and ended their relationship. Byrne, who resided on Angus Road in Greenock, initially denied the allegations but ultimately pleaded guilty on the day he was scheduled to stand trial. His lawyer, Charles Drummond, argued that individuals involved in such offenses often struggle to accept the gravity of their actions, citing a report that suggested offenders of this nature frequently do not fully acknowledge their guilt.

At sentencing, Sheriff Hall emphasized the seriousness of Byrne’s crimes, noting that the victim was only 14 years old and the daughter of Byrne’s partner. The sheriff pointed out that Byrne had abused the trust placed in him over a period of years, and that the assault took place in a setting where the girl should have felt safe. Byrne was sentenced to eight months in prison and was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years. The sheriff underscored the breach of trust and the severity of the offense, stating, “This was a very serious matter. The girl was in her bed, a place where anyone should feel safe, and you sexually assaulted her not once but twice.”

Earlier reports from July 2017 detailed how Byrne had used a malfunctioning television as a cover for his disturbing actions. The court heard that Byrne’s behavior was observed by a visiting friend, and that he had been in a relationship with the girl’s mother for seven years prior to the incident. The girl, who was in bed with a throat infection, was aware of Byrne’s presence in her room multiple times, and her discomfort grew as Byrne’s inappropriate conduct continued. The following morning, her mother questioned her about her behavior and her refusal to eat breakfast, which led to the girl revealing the details of Byrne’s misconduct. Byrne admitted to touching the girl when confronted, leading to the end of his relationship with her mother and his removal from the family home.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Byrne maintained his innocence, refusing to comment during police interviews. However, he eventually pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual assault, which took place in Greenock. The court deferred sentencing until August 14 to allow for a background report, risk assessment, and evaluation of electronic monitoring options. Byrne was automatically placed on the Sex Offenders Register, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring and public safety measures.