Man jailed for four years over rape bid in Burntisland

Image source, Police Scotland

A sex offender has been jailed for four years for the attempted rape of a 31-year-old woman who was walking her dogs in Fife.

Alexander McIlravie, 26, from Burntisland, was made the subject of a lifelong restriction order. Four years represents the punishment period.

He was also put on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

McIlravie was found guilty of assault with intent to rape on 11 November 2015 at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Judge Lord Uist said the social work report on the 26-year old made for very bleak reading, not just because of the circumstances of the rape bid but because he had committed two similar crimes in the past when he was aged 13 and 15.

Lord Uist told McIlravie: "When she was walking along a path there with her two dogs on a lead you ran up to her, jumped on her back and took her to the ground.

"You got on top of her and pinned her face down to the ground using your body weight.

"As a result of the attack your victim was extremely distressed and in a very bedraggled and dishevelled condition, with her hair in a mess and her clothes soaked through and covered in sand and water from the surface of the promenade.

"This was a terrifying experience for her and it has had a devastating effect upon her daily life.

"I am in no doubt that, had it not been for the action of your victim's dogs, you would have proceeded to rape her."

He said McIlravie had been diagnosed as suffering from antisocial personality disorder and psychopathic personality disorder.

"There is overwhelming evidence that you are a highly dangerous and violent man who presents a grave risk to the safety of the public."

Det Insp Paul Dick, of Police Scotland, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case who has been courageous not only during the harrowing incident but throughout the last two years and was unfortunately required to give evidence in court.

"I would also like to thank the other witnesses who assisted us in this inquiry and also the detectives and other police officers for their hard work and dedication during this investigation."