Jonathan King was convicted at the High Court in Kilmarnock yesterday. He pleaded guilty to eight charges after his victims gave evidence.

The 38-year-old’s offending took place at various locations in Paisley between February 2019 and November 2021. King targeted a 16-year-old girl at Fountain Gardens and Love Street on February 22, 2019.

He approached his victim and put his arm around her before asking for a kiss. King then seized her by the hair and pursued her as she tried to walk away before sexually assaulting her.

On August 14, 2021, he caused fear or alarm by repeatedly following a number of women in the High Street, Gilmour Street and County Square areas of the town. On the same day, King targeted another woman and attempted to engage her in conversation.

He then followed her and failed to stop when requested to do so. On September 23, 2021, King targeted three separate women in the town centre. He repeatedly followed one woman and attempted to strike up a conversation with her. He then assaulted her by grabbing her hand and attempting to force it behind her body.

King then subjected another two victims to sexual assaults after approaching them in the Glen Lane and Fountain Gardens areas.

He admitted breaching bail conditions after being ordered not to physically approach any female who was not a family member, friend or acquaintance except inadvertently in everyday life on November 7, 2021.

On August 21, at the High Court in Glasgow, King was given an extended sentence of eight years and six months, with 54 months in custody. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

A sexual harm prevention Order was also granted for a period of five years.