TOBY MCGEOGH FROM STIRLING FACES LIFE SENTENCE FOR VIOLENT AND SEXUAL OFFENSES NEAR STIRLING CASTLE

Toby McGeoch, a 25-year-old man from Stirling, is currently facing severe criminal charges following a series of violent and sexual crimes committed in the vicinity of Stirling during March of the previous year. The incidents, which occurred within a remarkably short span of time and close proximity, have shocked the local community and prompted serious legal proceedings.

According to court reports, McGeoch targeted two victims on the same day, both within half a mile of each other in Stirling. The first victim was a female tourist who encountered McGeoch in a distressing assault that involved physical violence and theft. He punched her in the face, causing bleeding and bruising, and then stole her handbag. The attack was particularly traumatic for the woman, who managed to escape after McGeoch pulled her down her tights. She was able to contact a friend via text message, describing her ordeal with the words: “Someone just tried to rape me in my close.” The court heard that she was left injured and shaken by the attack.

Later that same day, McGeoch approached another woman, this time an American tourist, at Stirling Castle. When she declined his request to accompany her, he responded with violence, punching her in the nose and knocking her to the ground. During this assault, he made sexual remarks and stole her handbag. The injuries sustained included a bleeding nose and blood-stained clothing, highlighting the brutality of the attack. McGeoch subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault with intent to rape, assault, and robbery.

The court proceedings revealed that McGeoch had followed the first victim to her home after spotting her in the city centre. He attempted to assault her again in the close of her flat, but was thwarted when she managed to open her door and push him out. These actions further underscored the dangerous nature of his conduct. The case was remitted to the High Court because the Sheriff's Court lacked the authority to impose the maximum penalties, including a potential life sentence. The sheriff emphasized that the severity of the crimes might warrant an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), which involves a minimum period of imprisonment and release only upon approval by the parole board.

Throughout the trial at Stirling Sheriff Court, the impact on the victims was a central concern. The court carefully considered the gravity of McGeoch’s offenses, which included attempted rape, assault, and theft. The judge highlighted the seriousness of the crimes and indicated that a life sentence could be appropriate, reflecting the potential for lifelong imprisonment due to the nature of the offenses committed in Stirling.