Man abducted and tried to rape girl, 6, in Glasgow

The High Court in Glasgow 33-year-old David Johnston took the young girl, who was out playing, from a street in Barrowfield to a secluded area.

When concerned residents and police caught up with Johnstone minutes later, the girl was beside him and “inconsolable”.

In court Johnston, who is a prisoner in Barlinnie, admitted abducting and sexually assaulting the girl with intent to rape on August 7 at Fielden Street, Glasgow. He also pleaded guilty to committing a breach of the peace.

Advocate depute Shanti Maguire, prosecuting, told the court that Johnston’s victim was wearing a Disney Princess Frozen dress when he snatched her.

After hearing that her daughter had been taken by a stranger the distraught mother fetched her mobile phone and began showing recent pictures of the child to passers-by.

Ms Maguire said: “By this time a large number of local residents had been made aware of the situation and had made their way onto the street.

“The mother began to search the area where her daughter was last seen stopping anyone she met in the street and showing her daughter’s photograph and asking if they had seen her.”

The court heard that a search was carried out by local people and police. The first person to find Johnston and the girl was John Farrell, 50, who was searched the area round Fielden Street near to a Kwik Fit garage.

Earlier Mr Farrell had seen Johnston talking to the girl and then waving to her in a “come here” gesture and then motioning her to follow him.

She began to follow Johnston who took her hand and led her away.

Worried Mr Farrell began to search for Johnston. As Mr Farrell walked past a large billboard he heard a noise from behind it. When he stepped behind it he saw Johnston standing with his back to rear of the billboard.

The little girl, who was described as “inconsolable” was reunited with her family.

Unemployed Johnston, who is on benefits, was taken to Helen Street police office where he told officers: “you better chop me up. There is something wrong with me.”

Ms Maguire told the court that the girl’s mother said that initially her daughter felt guilty because she had not listened to her mother and gone with a stranger.

The prosecutor added: “However, her mum has stated she has since returned to her happy self, out playing with her friends and enjoying company.”

Judge Lady Wise told Johnston: “You have pleaded guilty to two offences, one of which is an extremely serious offence involving a young girl.”

Lady Wise deferred sentence on Johnston for a background report and an assessment of the risk he poses to the public until next month.

She placed him on the sexual offenders’ register.

Defence counsel Tony Graham will give his plea in mitigation next month.