Maybole mum’s charge over blast at kidnapper

Jun 17 2011 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A MUM has been prosecuted because she banged on the front door of a man who kidnapped her son.

Dee Donald was furious after police told her they wouldn’t be charging the neighbour who held her 10-year-old son in his car.

So she went to Kevin Shepherd’s house and rattled the doors and windows to demand an explanation.

Police were again called to St Cuthbert’s Road in Maybole – and this time the young mum was arrested and taken away.

At Ayr Sheriff Court this week the married mum-of-two pleaded guilty to repeatedly banging on doors, and windows, shouting and swearing on May 17.

But her defence lawyer, Roselyn Gallen, explained to the court that her firm has written to the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police to ask why Kevin Shepherd was not charged – despite admitting what he had done.

Ms Gallen explained that the little boy had been playing with friends at a nearby park when the man pulled up and demanded that he got in the car.

The youngster didn’t know Shepherd but recognised him as a neighbour so he did as he was told.

Ms Gallen continued: “Kevin Shepherd drove away at speed with the door still open and drove around country roads for around 10 to 15 minutes before taking him back.

“Mrs Donald finished work and learned of the incident when she arrived home.

“She spent the night being tortured by what had transpired.

“Two officers went to see Kevin Shepherd the next day and he admitted what had happened and confirmed the little boy’s version of events.

“Allegations have been made against Kevin Shepherd in the past. But he was not charged and is not on the Sex Offenders’ Register.”

Nevertheless, Ms Gallen explained, police decided not to take any action.

First offender Mrs Donald struggled to accept that police decision and went round to the house to demand action.

She told the Post: “I know I shouldn’t have done it but I just wanted him to explain himself and tell him to stay away from my kids.

“I felt like the police weren’t doing anything to get justice for my son and I wanted to make sure he was protected. He was breaking his wee heart when he told police what had happened, it was horrible.

“Shepherd told police he wanted someone to show him where Dailly Road was, but he’s lived in Maybole for years, he knows where it is.”

Sheriff Colin Miller was keen to learn more about the outcome of Ms Gallen’s enquiries into the police investigation.

He deferred sentence on Mrs Donald for four weeks.