POLICE have been criticised for taking almost four months to release a picture of a suspected serial sex attacker.
The man is believed to have assaulted three women on buses in Glasgow city centre over the course of a week in November.
But detectives only released a photograph yesterday – despite a clear CCTV image of the suspect being captured after the first attack on November 19.
A second image was also captured after the second assault a few days later.
Rape Crisis Scotland national coordinator Sandy Brindley said: “Sexual assault is a serious crime and one which can have a significant impact.
“It is important that those reporting have confidence that the police will take all possible steps to identify the perpetrator. It is hard to understand in this case why the police waited so long to release these images. Public safety must be the priority.”
John Finnie MSP, a former police officer, added: “I can understand why people have concerns about this.
“People could reasonably expect there to have been swifter action, given the serious potential consequences of someone conducting themselves in this way on a repeated basis.”
The first attack took place on a No57 bus in Jamaica Street about 2.45pm on November 19. The second assault happened on a No6 in Argyle Street about 3.15pm on November 24. Three days later, a third woman was attacked on a No61 on Maryhill Road about 8.50am.
A police spokesman said: “Extensive inquiries were carried out by detectives. CCTV was obtained and permission granted for its release.
“We now seek the assistance of the media and the public to ascertain the identity of this man, who may be able to help with our ongoing inquires.”
Police have to ask the Crown Office for permission to release CCTV images.
A Crown Office spokesman said: “It is a matter for the police to decide when to make the request for release to us.
“The release of CCTV has to be carefully considered, balancing the legal rights of an accused to a fair trial and the risk to the public.
“Where there is an ongoing risk to the public, it is likely that images will be released.”
Are you a serving police officer frustrated by the failure of the authorities to issue CCTV pictures of suspects more quickly? Or are you one of the three women attacked by the bus pervert - or are you a friend or a relative of one of them? Call us in confidence on 0141 309 3251. If you prefer, email reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk
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