PAUL MCNALLY FROM CARNWATH SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SOUTH LANARKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Carnwath and the wider South Lanarkshire area, 17-year-old Paul McNally has been sentenced to 40 months in prison after admitting to the serious crime of raping a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place at McNally's father's residence in Carnwath on the 4th of February this year, a day that has left a lasting impact on the victim and her family.

According to court reports, McNally engaged in a sexual act with the young girl despite her clear attempts to stop. The girl, who was only 12 at the time, had explicitly told McNally to cease his actions, but he continued to have sex with her. The girl's father became aware of the incident after overhearing her discussing it over the phone with her sister, which prompted him to contact the police immediately. This intervention was crucial in bringing the case to justice.

During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Pentland emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating that under the law, the girl was too young to give any form of consent. He pointed out that McNally, being 16 at the time, was significantly more mature than the victim and was not in any relationship with her. The judge highlighted that the girl repeatedly tried to push McNally away, but he persisted in his actions, continuing to have sex with her despite her protests.

Background reports presented during the trial revealed that McNally appeared to have little understanding of the harm caused by his actions. The reports also indicated a concerning pattern of unruly and disruptive behavior in his past. The judge warned McNally that if he were to commit any further offenses during the four-year period following his release, he would face re-imprisonment for breaching the conditions of his parole.

Earlier proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow provided additional context. It was established that the girl, who was known to be under the age of consent, was at McNally's home with others when she agreed to engage in sexual activity with him. During the act, she told McNally to stop, but he ignored her pleas and continued. Afterward, she returned home, and her father noticed she seemed unusually distant. Concerned, he observed her behavior and later overheard her speaking with her sister about her ordeal, saying, “I can’t tell dad,” which prompted her to call her sister and reveal what had happened.

Police were called to McNally's residence, where officers detained him. During questioning, McNally claimed he believed the girl was 14 years old. He admitted that he knew having sex with an underage girl was wrong but justified his actions by saying it was “OK if you did not get caught.” His comments and the evidence presented in court led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing, marking a significant case in the fight against sexual offenses involving minors in the South Lanarkshire area.