KEVIN MCCONNELL JAILED OVER RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS
A 70-year-old pensioner suffering from terminal illness, who spent nearly fifty years abusing nine vulnerable young women with crimes including rape and sexual assault, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.Kevin McConnell, now of Paisley but formerly of Alexandria, targeted females who could not be identified publicly due to legal restrictions.
His offenses took place across locations in West Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire from May 1974 until February 2023.
The Edinburgh High Court heard that McConnell’s victims ranged in age from 11 to 17.
His offending began in the mid-1970s when he committed a rape in Alexandria sometime between May and October 1974.
His criminal activities continued until February 2023, when detectives from Dumbarton became aware of his actions and commenced an investigation.
Prosecutors described how McConnell would lure victims by offering them rides in his vehicle, then would intoxicate them with alcohol and drugs.
The crimes occurred at various sites in Alexandria, Paisley, and Carman Hill, situated between Renton and Cardross.
The jury learned that beyond assaults and rapes, McConnell sought sexual arousal through explicit comments directed at some of the girls, asking them sexual questions.
He also forced some victims to watch pornographic videos and took sexually explicit photos of them, which he kept.
McConnell, who previously resided in Alexandria before moving to Paisley, denied any wrongdoing during court proceedings earlier this year.
Nevertheless, the jury convicted him on 21 counts, leading Judge Thomas Welsh KC to order a background report on the defendant.
The convictions included multiple charges of rape, sexual assault, and lewd conduct.
On Wednesday, McConnell appeared in court for sentencing.
His lawyer, Edith Forrest KC, informed the judge that her client was gravely ill with bowel cancer and was preparatory to cease treatment at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow.
Judge Welsh told McConnell that he was going to prison for his crimes and issued a supervision order for three years if he survived beyond his prison term.
In sentencing, Judge Welsh described McConnell’s actions as “evil” and “pernicious,” stating: “You targeted vulnerable young girls by offering them lifts in your car.
You gave them alcohol and drugs before committing these offences.
“You have shown no remorse or empathy for the profound and lasting harm caused to the victims in this case.
"Risk assessments indicate that you continue to pose a serious threat to children.” Considering all factors, Judge Welsh sentenced him to an extended term of 15 years—12 years to be served in custody, with an additional three years under supervision.
Earlier during the hearing, Ms Forrest explained that her client had an “unremarkable upbringing” and had spent most of his life working as a self-employed individual.
She also highlighted that McConnell suffered from “prostrate” issues, diabetes, and bowel cancer.
Ms Forrest further stated: “He has a terminal illness and is currently undergoing treatment at the Beatson.
However, he plans to stop his treatment.
Mr McConnell’s health is very poor, and I ask the court to consider this when passing sentence, recognizing that his life may be limited compared to others convicted of similar offenses.” Finally, Judge Welsh ordered that McConnell would spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders Register.
