Regan McClinton followed and attacked both children within less than 30 minutes of each other in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, on 22 April 2023.

The then 18-year-old was caught on CCTV following the first girl as she walked on Broompark Road in broad daylight. He grabbed the 15-year-old by the hair and body before dragging her into an alleyway where he took away her mobile phone.

McClinton, of Blantyre, subjected the child to a sexual and physical assault, which ended after members of the public intervened.

After fleeing the scene, and just minutes later, McClinton attacked an 11-year-old girl, who had been walking with a friend on the nearby Burnbrae Road.

He pulled the child into an alleyway where he physically assaulted and attempted to rape her, all to her severe injury. A member of the public came to the girl’s aid after hearing screaming and recognised McClinton.

The prosecution led a variety of evidence at the trial including CCTV footage, DNA evidence and eyewitness accounts.

McClinton was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on 10 September 2025.

On 30 October, at the High Court in Kilmarnock, McClinton, now 21, was sentenced to eight years and nine months’ imprisonment. This will involve a period of six years and nine months in custody with a two-year extended sentence.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely and indefinite non-harassment orders were also granted.

Fiona Kirkby, procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: “Regan McClinton subjected both girls to horrific ordeals within minutes of each other and only a short distance apart.

“These children should have been safe going about their business but were instead targeted by this dangerous and opportunistic offender.

“He has now been held accountable following this prosecution, which was made possible using evidence from both children and the members of the public who thankfully interrupted both attacks.”