MARK MCKINNEY FROM FAIFLEY SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN CLYDEBANK AND DRUMCHAPEL

In a case that has shocked the community of Clydebank and the surrounding areas, Mark McKinney, a 32-year-old man from Faifley, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for heinous sexual offenses committed against a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place in September 2018, when McKinney lured the young girl to a residence in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, under false pretenses.

According to court reports, McKinney's assault was preceded by a grooming process through mobile text messages, during which he manipulated the girl and introduced her to drugs including heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol. The victim was reportedly coerced into taking these substances before the assault occurred. The court heard that McKinney's actions were not isolated; he also molested another girl of the same age at the same flat, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior.

McKinney's arrest followed forensic examinations that revealed DNA evidence linking him to the crime scene. Specifically, forensic experts found the victim’s DNA under his fingernails, which played a crucial role in securing his conviction. Despite his denial of the charges, the evidence was compelling enough for a jury to find him guilty of rape and sexual assault earlier this year.

The court was shown CCTV footage capturing McKinney walking along a road in Clydebank while holding hands with the young girl, despite the significant age difference of nearly 20 years. This footage further illustrated the manipulative and predatory nature of his conduct. Additionally, McKinney took the girl on a trip to a drug dealer’s house in Drumchapel, where he exchanged a laptop for a bag of cocaine, demonstrating his involvement in illegal drug activities.

During sentencing, Lord Matthews emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “The young lady said you had sexual intercourse with her against her will.” The judge also ordered McKinney to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

Prosecutor Liam Ewing QC addressed the court during the trial, describing how McKinney had deliberately engineered circumstances to facilitate sexual contact with the girls, often involving alcohol to increase their vulnerability. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and highlights the dangers of grooming and exploitation in the community of Faifley and beyond.