ALEXANDER STEWART AND CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN INVERGORDON

Two brothers, Alexander Stewart and Christopher Drummond, have been sentenced to a combined total of over eleven years in prison following their involvement in a series of heinous sexual assaults against a 19-year-old woman. The incident took place at Stewart's residence in Invergordon on the 18th of October last year, marking a deeply troubling chapter in the town's recent history.

Alexander Stewart, aged 20, and his older brother Christopher Drummond, aged 23, had met the victim through a dating website prior to the assault. The court heard that the two men carried out the attack at Stewart's home, where they subjected the young woman to a sequence of sexual assaults that left her traumatized. The gravity of their actions was underscored during the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, where both men faced charges of assault and rape.

Judge Lady Carmichael delivered her verdict, sentencing Drummond to seven years in prison and Stewart to four and a half years. She described their conduct as an "appalling series of sexual assaults" inflicted upon the young woman. The judge highlighted that Drummond had initially ordered Stewart to hold the victim down and had issued further commands during the ongoing assault, demonstrating a disturbing level of control and dominance.

In her remarks, Lady Carmichael emphasized the dynamic between the two brothers, stating that "it was clear from the evidence that you, Christopher Drummond, dominated Alexander Stewart." She further noted that Stewart appeared to be someone who was easily manipulated by his older brother and expressed that he was genuinely afraid of him. The judge also addressed Drummond's attitude towards women, describing it as "extremely troubling," and ordered that Stewart undergo an additional 18 months of supervision. Both brothers were also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of their crimes.

Throughout the trial, both Stewart and Drummond maintained their innocence, denying the allegations of assault and rape. However, the court found them guilty of all charges, including two counts of rape and one of assault. Defense lawyers for the accused attempted to argue their clients' positions; David Moggach, representing Drummond, claimed that the acts were consensual and that Drummond was unaware of any issues his brother might have been experiencing. Similarly, Lorenzo Alonzi, defending Stewart, highlighted that his client had been diagnosed with ADHD, describing him as "highly susceptible to suggestion and easily led and manipulated." Alonzi also stated that Stewart had shown a "progressive acceptance" of his guilt, indicating a complex psychological background that may have influenced his actions.

The sentencing reflects the court's recognition of the serious nature of the crimes committed in Invergordon and underscores the importance of justice for the victim, who endured a traumatic ordeal at the hands of her attackers.