Convicted Rapist Targeted by Angry Protesters in Cumbernauld Housing Estate
Footage has emerged showing the moment a convicted rapist was struck with an egg by a furious mob as police led him to safety from his home in Cumbernauld. Paul McAllister, 47, who was imprisoned in 2012 for luring a man with learning difficulties from a hospital and raping him, faced a hostile crowd outside a property on Woodhead Court on Sunday evening.
Violent Confrontation and Police Escort
Police were called to the housing estate after protesters gathered, chanting "beast" and "rapist" as McAllister attempted to conceal his face behind a hoodie and balaclava. Two officers escorted him from the property, but during the confrontation, a protester launched an egg that splattered on his head. Police Scotland confirmed that no arrests were made among the protesters.
Details of the 2012 Rape Case
During McAllister's trial at the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that his 42-year-old victim had been at Monklands Hospital's A&E department because he felt safe there. McAllister approached him, encouraging him to leave by falsely promising to "get him a girlfriend." He then led the victim to a wooded area in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, where he ambushed and raped him.
Advocate depute Gillian Wade, prosecuting, stated: "He recalls that the accused approached him from behind in the wooded area and placed his arm round his throat. He was very frightened and tried to punch his attacker. He was told if he tried that again he would be killed."
Aftermath and Sentencing
After the attack, McAllister accompanied his victim home, but police had already been alerted by the hospital about the disappearance. When officers arrived, the victim rushed to the door, hugged a police officer, and exclaimed: "He is there don't let him near me." He immediately reported the rape.
McAllister initially forced his victim to give evidence in court but pleaded guilty partway through. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to be supervised for an additional three years post-release. This was not his first sexual offence; he had a prior conviction from 1999.
The incident highlights ongoing public outrage over sexual crimes and the challenges faced by authorities in managing community reactions to convicted offenders reintegrating into society.
