A “dangerous” man who followed lone women in the street and sexually assaulted three of them – including a 16-year-old girl – has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.
A procurator fiscal described Jonathan King, 38, as a “predatory individual” and said his “truly alarming” behaviour has “no place in society”.
King preyed upon women throughout Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said he first targeted a 16-year-old girl at Fountain Gardens and nearby Love Street in February 2019.
After approaching the teen, he put his arm around her and asked for a kiss.
King seized her by the hair and pursued her as she attempted to flee before sexually assaulting her.
In August 2021, he repeatedly followed a number of women in the town’s High Street, Gilmour Street and County Square.
On the same day, King approached a woman and attempted to engage her in conversation. He then followed her and failed to stop when requested to do so.
And then in September 2021, King preyed on three separate women in the town centre.
He repeatedly followed one woman and attempted to strike up a conversation with her. He then assaulted her by grabbing her hand and attempting to force it behind her body.
King then subjected two other women to sexual assaults after approaching them in the Glen Lane and Fountain Gardens areas.
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King pleaded guilty after his victims gave evidence during a trial at the High Court in Paisley last month.
He was convicted of three sexual assaults, three counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, and a single charge of assault.
In addition, he admitted breaching bail conditions in November 2021 after being ordered not to approach any female who was not a family member, friend or acquaintance except inadvertently in everyday life.
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King was handed an extended sentence of eight-and-a-half years at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday, with 54 months in custody.
He was also added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
In addition, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) was granted for a period of five years.
Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s procurator fiscal for high court sexual offending, 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.”
