POLICE and a children’s charity have welcomed the conviction of a serial sex beast after he was found guilty of trying to rape a 15-year-old girl.

Sean Moynihan carried out the vicious attack on a secluded cycle track in Paisley, near Castle Gardens, back in May 2008.

A “complex” investigation lasting more than a decade followed before Moynihan was convicted at the High Court in Livingston on Monday.

READ MORE: Serial Renfrewshire rapist found guilty of attempted rape on teenager

He is already behind bars for raping an 18-year-old woman at knifepoint on a path between Johnstone and Linwood.

Moynihan, 34, also has a conviction for raping a 16-year-old girl in Paisley.
Police have said Renfrewshire is “a safer place with him behind bars.”

Detective Sergeant Julie Nedley, of the Specialist Crime Division, told The Gazette: “Sean Moynihan is a despicable individual, demonstrated by the fact this is his third similar conviction for serious sexual offences committed against teenage girls unknown to him.

“He put each of his victims through the trauma of a trial and reliving their ordeals in a courtroom and has shown not one scrap of remorse.”

Det Sgt Nedley also praised the victim of the May 2008 attack for displaying “incredible bravery and dignity, both during her ordeal and throughout the almost 11 years it has taken to bring Sean Moynihan to justice.”

“She has lived with the threats of him hanging over her for the last decade and only now can she feel safe in the knowledge that he is finally being held accountable for his actions,” she added.

“I’d also like to pay a special tribute to the courage of a previous victim of Moynihan, who was brave enough to give evidence again at this trial, which I’ve no doubt helped secure this additional conviction.” 

A spokesman for the NSPCC children’s charity also condemned Moynihan’s behaviour and praised his victim for speaking out.

READ MORE: Hunt for man who exposed himself to passenger on Renfrewshire train

He said: “Moynihan is a predatory and dangerous child abuser whose sickening actions will have devastated his victim’s life.

“She has shown enormous bravery in speaking out about what happened to her and ensuring that justice is achieved.

“We hope she will now receive any help and the support she needs.”