MAN JAILED OVER BID TO RAPE GIRL, 15
A man who attempted to assault a 15-year-old girl while she was asleep after drinking has been sentenced to four years in prison.George Hattie, aged 45, was caught in the act by a male family member of the girl.
The relative shouted at Hattie, who raised his hands and acknowledged, "I was out of order." Hattie was then told to leave the house, and police were summoned.
He, residing on Greenlaw Avenue in Wishaw, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault that took place at a local residence on February 19 of the previous year.
During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Hodge stated, "For such behaviour by a mature, middle-aged man, a custodial sentence is necessary." Nonetheless, he acknowledged that Hattie's actions during the incident were "out of character." The judge also observed that both Hattie and the girl were "heavily intoxicated" at the time of the offence.
Evidence revealed that Hattie had been drinking prior to going to the girl’s flat, and she was also intoxicated.
A male relative, who had put her to bed, later discovered her asleep on the floor of the bedroom with Hattie lying on top of her, his trousers and underwear around his ankles.
Hattie had removed her clothing while she was in an alcohol-induced unconscious state.
Defence lawyer Tony Graham commented, "He has acted in an utterly despicable way on one occasion.
He was extremely drunk at the time." Mr.
Graham added that Hattie claimed he had no memory of the incident.
He also suggested that Hattie’s past convictions did not indicate he was a significant threat.
Hattie was noted to have a drinking problem but had otherwise led a productive life and maintained a respectable employment record.
Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.
