The victim of a sexual assault in a Dundee park has shared how she feels “numb” after the violent attack.
Lynsay Mill has bravely waived her anonymity so she can speak openly about the ordeal on January 4.
The mother-of-three has been left feeling unsafe in Fintry, where she has lived and worked for over 17 years.
Speaking to The Courier, Lynsay, 46, told how she’d went for a walk at around 7pm after taking down her Christmas tree.
She is a regular visitor to Powrie Park, often walking there with her family and dogs.
Recounting the attack, Lynsay said: “I sat on the benches near the football pitches at around 7pm and was on the phone.
“I’d been in the area for around 30-minutes or so and finished my telephone call.
“It might sound a bit silly but my mother passed away a few years ago. I was looking up to stars and just having a wee chat with her.
“There had been a dog walker in the park during the time I was sitting there.”
The former bakery worker stood up before suddenly being pulled from behind, hitting her head off the ground.
She added: “I felt a bang as my head hit the floor, I’d had my hood up so I was oblivious to anyone being behind me.
“He’d straddled me within seconds, placed his hand on to my face and pushed it to the side into the gravel.”
The man – who was wearing a balaclava which only left his eyes and his nose visible – placed his hand under Lynsay’s top and trousers.
‘I froze’
She explained: “He was moving his hand about under my clothing, I’m not sure how long this lasted but it was minutes.
“There was a ring on his hand, I could feel it as it was cold.
“I was trying to move myself back but he was big built and about 6ft.
“When I tried to move he dug his knees in tighter to my sides. I froze.”
After apparently being disturbed by a noise or light in the distance, Lynsay’s attacker calmly walked away.
Desperately trying to get back to her feet, Lynsay collapsed. The man is believed to have exited the park into a neighbouring field.
Police Scotland say inquiries are ongoing as they try to track down the man responsible.
He is described as wearing a black zip-up hoodie, black jogging bottoms and black and white trainers.
Lynsay is continuing to assist police with their investigation, which has rocked the community.
In waving her anonymity, something granted to all those who report a sexual assault, she hope’s that her account may trigger the memory of potential witnesses.
‘It doesn’t feel safe right now’
Lynsay says she is now trying to “keep going”, but the attack has had a lasting impact.
“My head is all over the place,” she said.
“When I got home that night, I was sick a few times. We called the police and my partner went searching for the person.
“Police have taken my clothing, taken swabs and taken photographs.
“I still feel so numb, I don’t know how I’m meant to feel. I’m glad it wasn’t a young girl or an elderly woman who was subjected to this.
“At the moment it doesn’t feel safe right now living in Fintry, I would urge anyone not to go to that park at the moment.
“I just hope by sharing my story someone else comes forward who may have seen something.”
- For help and support in relation to rape and sexual assault, you can contact Rape Crisis Scotland any day between 5pm and midnight. Call 08088 01 03 02 or text 07537 410 027.
