Lanarkshire mum 'petrified' after sex attacker bailed to home on same street as her

A mum says she is “petrified” after a man who attacked her has been bailed to the street she lives on.

The woman was outside her home in a North Lanarkshire town on July 18 as her young daughter played with other children.

David Gordon, who also goes by the name David Musgrove, approached the mum and made “derogatory” comments to both her and her neighbour.

“I’m living in fear every day in my own home”

He was asked to leave, but he exposed himself and committed a solo sex act while continuing to make sexualised comments in front of the women and their children.

After the children were hurried into the neighbour’s home, Gordon slapped the mum, groped her and attempted to kiss her.

Earlier this month, he pled guilty to four charges, including a public indecency charge with a sexual aggravation, sexual exposure to a young child, sexual exposure to an older child and threatening and abusive behaviour with an aggravated sexual orientation hate crime.

Gordon is due to be sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on December 23, but has been granted bail while social workers prepare reports on him.

The mum says she has been left “petrified” after the attacker was allowed to return to the street they both live on.

The registered sex offender is living in close proximity to two primary schools.

“I’ve lost my job and I’ve been put on medication because of what happened,” she told STV News.

“I live my life every day with the blinds shut.

“I’m scared that during this person’s tag time that I may be targeted again. I’m living in fear every day in my own home.

“I’ve been off sick since this incident and it has had a big impact on my family’s life.”

The concerned woman feels as though she has been “let down by the justice system” despite her attacker’s guilty plea. The mum feels like she is “living in fear” following the decision to bail her attacker to a property so nearby.

She said: “Not only do I feel like I’m at risk, but I feel that my child and any other child on this street are at risk.

“He’s a danger to society. Living so close to him heightens my anxiety and it is terrifying.

“That moment has affected us massively.”

Bail decisions are made by the sheriff overseeing the case. The judiciary confirmed that Gordon has his bail continued due to pending background reports.

As part of his bail conditions, Gordon was ordered not to enter the property of or approach any of the complainers.

However, he was allowed to return to his address located on the same street as the victim and close to two primary schools.

A spokesperson from the Scottish Judicial Service said: “The Sheriff continued bail pending reports. Mr Musgrove (Gordon) is due to be sentenced on December 23.

“His name was added to the sex offenders register and part of his bail order includes the condition that he is not allowed to enter the property of, have contact with or approach the complainers.”

The Scottish Government has confirmed that bail decisions are made on an individual basis by the sheriff.

A spokesperson said: “While we do not comment on individual cases, our thoughts are with the victim concerned for the distress they have endured.

“Decisions on whether to grant bail are a matter for the independent courts based on the individual facts and circumstances of each case.”

The mum is desperate to move home and has asked North Lanarkshire Council for help.

The local authority confirmed it is aware of the situation, is offering support to the family, and is assessing a housing application.

A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Any housing requests are assessed in line with our policies, and we work closely with applicants to provide the appropriate guidance and support options available to them.”