GAVIN MCBRYAN SENTENCED IN GLASGOW FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST VULNERABLE WOMEN

At the High Court in Glasgow today, Lord Doherty delivered a stern judgment against Gavin McBryan, sentencing him to a lengthy and stringent punishment following his conviction on multiple counts of sexual assault, including three counts of rape. The court's decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed and the need to protect the public from further harm.

Gavin McBryan, who was found guilty of these serious offences, was handed an extended sentence that totals nine years and three months. This sentence comprises a custodial period of six years and three months, coupled with an extension period of three years, designed to ensure ongoing supervision and protection of vulnerable individuals from any potential reoffending.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Doherty addressed McBryan directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. He stated, "Gavin McBryan, you have been convicted of the rape of three women, and of contraventions of sections 5 and 6 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009." The judge acknowledged the circumstances surrounding the offences, noting that McBryan was between 18 and 19 years old at the time, and is now 22.

Lord Doherty also took into account McBryan’s personal background and mental health issues. He highlighted that McBryan has a history of Asperger’s Syndrome, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and cerebral palsy, which he described as relatively mild. The court heard that McBryan’s childhood and adolescence were marked by difficulties, as detailed in a Criminal Justice Social Work Report. Despite these challenges, the judge emphasized that McBryan’s actions demonstrated a level of predatory and abusive behaviour, especially in relation to charges two and three, where his conduct was particularly calculated and manipulative.

In his remarks, Lord Doherty stressed that the victims were vulnerable women, and that McBryan’s behaviour was not only abusive but also indicative of a concerning level of intellectual ability that he believed exceeded that of his victims. The judge made it clear that, despite McBryan’s youth and personal difficulties, a substantial sentence was necessary to serve justice and to safeguard the community.

Furthermore, the court considered the period McBryan spent on remand, which was from 12 June 2019 to 8 December 2020, totaling 17 months and 26 days, as well as the time from 2 August 2022 until the present. The sentence was backdated to 6 February 2021 to account for this remand period. Additionally, the court mandated that McBryan would be subject to lifelong notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further offences.

In conclusion, Lord Doherty underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable women and the community at large, asserting that the extended sentence was both appropriate and necessary given the nature of the crimes committed by Gavin McBryan in Glasgow.