CALLUM STEWART FROM CARNOUSTIE: HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY REVELATION IN GLASGOW

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Carnoustie and the wider Angus region, Callum Stewart, a 42-year-old former army cadet instructor, has admitted to a series of heinous sexual offenses against a young woman over a period of four years. The allegations, which came to light during a court hearing at the High Court in Glasgow, detail a pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on the victim and raised serious concerns about safeguarding within youth organizations.

Stewart, who was serving as a sergeant in the Army Cadet Force based in Carnoustie, first engaged in abusive conduct towards the young woman in 2007, when she was just 19 years old. The court was told that the victim, overwhelmed and distressed, eventually confided in a relative about the abuse she endured. The prosecutor, Shirley McKenna, recounted how Stewart’s manipulative tactics escalated over time, with the accused once threatening to circulate a photograph of the abuse to intimidate her further.

The court heard harrowing details of Stewart’s increasing control over the victim. He reportedly asked her for permission to take explicit photographs during their encounters, which she reluctantly agreed to in the hope that it would bring an end to her suffering. Despite her compliance, the abuse persisted, and Stewart later coerced her into performing a sexual act on him. In a particularly sinister development, Stewart sent her a still image of that act in September of the previous year, accompanied by threatening messages implying that the photo could be shared with others, further intimidating her.

Adding to the gravity of the case, Stewart also sent a menacing message to the victim’s boyfriend, warning him to break up with her or face consequences, stating: “Break up with her or I will get you if it’s the last thing I do.” This threat underscored the extent of Stewart’s malicious intent and his attempts to control not only the victim but also her personal relationships.

Following her disclosure to a relative, police intervened and arrested Stewart. During the investigation, authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of approximately 17,000 indecent images of children stored on his devices, revealing a deeply troubling pattern of child exploitation. The discovery of such material has compounded the severity of his crimes and raised questions about his involvement in other illicit activities.

In court, Stewart pleaded guilty to multiple sex charges, acknowledging the gravity of his actions. His defense attorney, Matthew Jackson, acknowledged the inevitable outcome, stating, “This man is well aware that there will be no alternative to a custodial sentence.” Stewart has since resigned from the Army Cadet Force, distancing himself from the organization amid the allegations.

Judge Lady Stacey, presiding over the case, decided to defer sentencing until next month to allow for comprehensive reports to be prepared. The community and the victim await justice, as the full extent of Stewart’s misconduct continues to be scrutinized and condemned.