RICHARD POLLOCK'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN HAMILTON AND HELENSBURGH SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Hamilton and Helensburgh, Richard Pollock, a 32-year-old man, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl. The assault took place on July 14, and the details of the incident reveal a heinous act committed by a man who was under supervision at the time.

According to court proceedings, the victim, a young girl, was visiting Pollock’s flat located in The Furlongs, Hamilton, when the assault occurred. At the time, Pollock was on a home detention curfew, having been released early from prison in May. This release followed his previous incarceration for over three years after he was convicted of a hold-up at a post office in Helensburgh in March 2013.

The court heard that the girl had fallen asleep during her visit but awoke to find Pollock on top of her. She immediately reacted by punching him and demanding that he get off. However, Pollock responded with violence, slapping his hand over her mouth and threatening her with further harm. He told her that she would “enjoy it” and warned that if she made any noise, he would “slit the throat” of a woman she knew.

Despite her fear and attempts to escape, Pollock forced himself upon her, raping her in a manner described by the judge as of an “atrocious nature.” The court was told that after the assault, the girl tried to leave the flat but was prevented from doing so. She managed to escape only after punching Pollock in the face, which gave her the opportunity to flee.

She ran to a nearby Bentley motor showroom, where she sought help from an employee, explaining that she had been raped. The police were called immediately, and Pollock was later detained by authorities. The court also learned that Pollock had previously spent five years working in agriculture in the Highlands after initially appearing in court for the Helensburgh post office hold-up in 2008.

Judge Lord Boyd, presiding over the case, stated that the appropriate sentence for the rape would have been 12 years. However, due to Pollock’s guilty plea, the sentence was reduced to eight years. The judge described the attack as “atrocious” and expressed the revulsion most right-minded people would feel towards such a crime. The court’s decision underscores the severity of Pollock’s actions and the ongoing concern for community safety in the areas of Hamilton and Helensburgh.