Dunblane survivor jailed for assault

A survivor of the Dunblane massacre who carried out a “shocking” sex attack on a frail elderly woman in her own home has been…

A survivor of the Dunblane massacre who carried out a “shocking” sex attack on a frail elderly woman in her own home has been given a life sentence.

Ryan Liddell (21) attacked the 76-year-old after entering her home and pretending to be her carer in June 2010.

Liddell, who was one of the children shot by gunman Thomas Hamilton at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, was today made the subject of an order for lifelong restriction.

At the high court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Uist told him he must spend a minimum of six years behind bars but the order means he will only be released by the parole board if it deems it is safe to do so.

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He will then be monitored for the rest of his life.

Passing sentence, Lord Uist told Liddell his actions had “ruined” the rest of the pensioner’s life and she is no longer able to live independently.

Liddell had denied the charges against him but was convicted by a jury of assaulting the woman with intent to rape her, putting her life in danger.

He was found guilty after a trial last year which heard that he pushed the pensioner to the floor, kicked her in the head and repeatedly punched her.

He put his hand over her mouth to stop her screaming and removed her clothes and underwear, telling her he wanted sexual intercourse.

The woman was left severely injured, permanently disfigured and permanently impaired as a result of his actions.

PA