THOMAS MCLAUGHLIN, AIRDRIE, SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE

In November 2011, 18-year-old Thomas McLaughlin was sentenced to two years in prison after attempting to rape a 16-year-old girl he had met at a nightclub in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire. McLaughlin admitted to trying to assault the girl in a grassy area on Hallcraig Street on September 11. Upon release, he will be subject to two years of supervision and has been registered on the sex offenders' register for ten years.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that the attack left the girl feeling "withdrawn." It was reported that she had been crying and screaming at McLaughlin to stop during the incident. Earlier in the evening, the pair had been kissing consensually, but she had made it clear she did not want to have sex.

Following the assault, the victim was examined by a doctor, who found that she was bruised and bleeding. She has since been unable to work or attend college because of the trauma. McLaughlin was questioned by police and claimed he had been intoxicated and could not remember the events.

Initially charged with rape, McLaughlin accepted a plea to a reduced charge of attempted rape, which the Crown approved. During sentencing, Judge Lord Glennie stated that "there was no alternative to a prison term," but noted that a lengthy sentence would probably be "of little benefit to either him or society."

The judge highlighted the lasting impact on McLaughlin, saying, "You will live forever under the stigma of having a High Court conviction for attempted rape," and remarked that his prospects for continuing education have been adversely affected. Instead of a lengthy custodial sentence, Lord Glennie imposed an "extended sentence," which he considered necessary for public protection. He explained, "It will give you the opportunity after release to engage with professionals in exploring your offending behaviour."