Drumchapel man guilty of sex attack near Clydebank Shopping Centre

A sex attacker pounced on a stranger – after claiming he would “chance his arm” with her.

Craig Galbraith struck near to a shopping centre in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire in August 2016.

The vulnerable 22 year-old woman was described as “frightened and confused” after emerging from bushes where the crime occurred.

Galbraith could now face jail after he was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 47 year-old – who originally faced a rape charge – was bailed pending sentencing next month.

Jurors heard how Galbraith earlier spotted the woman on a bus and found her “attractive”.

Galbraith claimed he was then “chancing his arm” by trying to “chat up” the victim.

The trial was told that within 20 seconds he had touched the shocked woman's bottom.

He then lead her towards woods where Galbraith went on to sexually assault her.

The area was described as “quite literally off the beaten path”.

Two girls spotted the pair around the time of the incident – but Galbraith claimed: “She is fine”.

However, jurors heard the victim was “shaking” after her ordeal.

Galbraith, of the city's Drumchapel, denied the crime.

But, prosecutor Mark McGuire told jurors in his closing speech: “To suggest that she is lying is ridiculous.

“The reason she alleges she was sexually assaulted is because that is precisely what happened.”

Galbraith held his head in his hands following the verdict.

Lady Stacey told him: “The offence is very serious and you should be under no illusion what will happen.”

Sentencing was deferred for background reports.