Man who sexually assaulted teenage girl and repeatedly followed lone women jailed

A man who repeatedly following and approached lone women, including a teenage girl who he sexually assaulted, has been jailed.

Jonathan King targeted women at various locations in Paisley between February 2019 and November 2021.

The 38-year-old targeted a 16-year-old girl at Fountain Gardens and Love Street on February 22, 2019.

He approached the girl and put his arm around her before asking for a kiss. He then seized her by the hair and pursued her as she tried to walk away before sexually assaulting her.

On August 14, 2021, he followed a number of women in the High Street, Gilmour Street and County Square areas of the town.

On the same day, King targeted another woman and attempted to engage her in conversation.

He then followed her and refused to stop when asked to do so.

On September 23, 2021, King targeted three separate women in the town centre. He repeatedly following one woman and attempted to strike up conversation with her.

He then assaulted her by grabbing her hand and attempting to force it behind her body.

King then subjected another two victims to sexual assaults after approaching them in the Glen Lane and Fountain Gardens areas.

He was convicted at the High Court in Kilmarnock on July 22, 2024 where he pleaded guilty to eight charges after his victims gave evidence.

King admitted breaching bail conditions after being ordered not to physically approach any female who was not a family member, friend or acquaintance except inadvertently in everyday life on November 7, 2021.

At the High Court in Glasgow, King was given an extended sentence of eight years and six months, with 54 months in custody.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also granted for a period of five years.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes said:  “Jonathan King is an opportunistic and dangerous individual who poses a risk to women.

“His victims should have been safe going about their daily business but were instead targeted by this predatory individual.

“His behaviour is truly alarming and has no place in society. I hope this prosecution and conviction brings some comfort to all those affected by his actions.

“I would also urge any other victims of similar offending to speak out. COPFS will do everything in our power to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.” 