Predator named in trial jailed for attack

Published on Wednesday 8 April 2009 22:08

A MAN who was blamed for the rape and murder of Moira Jones received a life sentence yesterday for a sex attack just weeks before her death.

Jason Mulheron, 37, was one of three men incriminated in a special defence by Harcar.

Mulheron had grabbed a woman walking home alone at night near Queen's Park in April last year, and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

The following month, the body of Ms Jones was found in the park, and at Harcar's trial, his lawyer accused Mulheron of being the killer.

Mulheron denied it.

Yesterday, a judge said she was satisfied that Mulheron, of Govanhill, Glasgow, posed a serious threat to the public. Lady Dorrian imposed an order for lifelong restriction. He will be released from jail only if the authorities deem it safe to do so, and he must serve a minimum of five years, three months before being considered for parole.

Mulheron's offence was an almost carbon copy of an attack he committed in 1999, when he got a seven-year prison sentence for attempted rape.

In last year's offence, a 44-year-old woman was listening to her personal stereo when she was nudged in the back. She removed her headphones and turned to see Mulheron, who was in a rage. He shouted: "I've got a knife, I'm going to kill you and rape you, you f****** bitch."

She tried to reason with Mulheron but he continued to threaten her, and repeatedly punched her. He indecently assaulted her, stole her handbag and fled into Queen's Park. DNA recovered from the woman's jacket and tights was found to match Mulheron's profile.

He admitted assaulting the woman with intent to rape her.