34-year old man found guilty of sexual assault in 2008

A man who carried out an attempted rape in 2008 has been today found guilty at the High Court in Livingston. 34-year old Sean Moynihan was convicted of attacking the 15-year-old girl in Paisley more than 10 years ago.

The incident took place on 19 May 2008 at a cycle track near to Castle Gardens in Paisley. The victim, who was 15 at this time, reported the incident to police immediately and has continued to engage with police throughout the investigation despite the case being unresolved until recently.

An investigation, which was led by the National Rape Task Force, spanned more than 10 years and displays the commitment of the officers from the outset to bring to justice the person responsible. They were greatly assisted by the National Crime Agency and advances in DNA technology.

Moynihan is currently in prison at HMP Glenochil after being sentenced in December 2015 for a serious sexual assault on an 18-year-old woman at a cycle path between Linwood and Johnstone in October 2014. He was also given a life-long restriction order.

Detective Sergeant Julie Nedley, Specialist Crime Division said today: “Sean Moynihan is a despicable individual - demonstrated by the fact that this is his third similar conviction for serious sexual offences committed against teenage girls unknown to him.

“He put each of his victims through the trauma of a trial and reliving their ordeals in a courtroom and has shown not one scrap of remorse. Renfrewshire is a safer place with him behind bars.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to commend the victim of today’s trial who has displayed incredible bravery and dignity both during her ordeal and throughout the almost 11 years it has taken to bring Sean Moynihan to justice. She has lived with the threats of him hanging over her for the last decade and only now can she feel safe in the knowledge that he is finally being held accountable for his actions.

“I’d also like to pay a special tribute to the courage of a previous victim of Moynihan who was brave enough to give evidence again, at this trial, which I’ve no doubt helped secure this additional conviction.

“The actions of Moynihan have deeply impacted on the lives of his victims and their families and I sincerely hope that today’s verdict brings them some comfort and closure and let them move on towards rebuilding their lives.

"I would like to take this opportunity to urge anyone who has been subjected to any form of sexual abuse to come forward and let us help you get the support that you deserve.”