CALUM STEWART FROM CARNOUSTIE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN GLASGOW

In September 2012, a disturbing case unfolded in the High Court in Glasgow involving Calum Stewart, a 42-year-old army cadet instructor from Carnoustie, who was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to serious sexual offenses and possessing a vast collection of child abuse images.

Stewart, who held the rank of sergeant within the Army Cadet Force in Carnoustie, was accused of sexually assaulting a young woman, with the initial incident dating back to 2007 when she was just 19 years old. The court was told that the abuse spanned over a period of four years, causing significant trauma to the victim, who was visibly distressed as she left the courtroom after the proceedings.

Judge Lady Stacey described Stewart’s crimes as “dreadful,” emphasizing the severity of his actions. The court heard that Stewart once confided in the victim, revealing that he was no longer intimate with his wife and was contemplating seeking sexual satisfaction elsewhere, which added a disturbing layer to his manipulative behavior.

Prosecutor Shirley McKenna detailed how Stewart’s conduct grew increasingly controlling over the victim. He asked her for permission to take photographs during their encounters, a request she reluctantly agreed to, hoping that complying might bring an end to her suffering. Despite her compliance, the abuse persisted, and Stewart’s actions grew more sinister.

In a particularly alarming development, the court was informed that in September of the previous year, Stewart sent the victim a still image depicting a sexual assault he had committed against her. McKenna explained that Stewart issued threats, warning that the photograph would be made accessible to others, further intimidating the victim. Additionally, Stewart sent a threatening message to her boyfriend, stating: “Break up with her or I will get you if it’s the last thing I do,” indicating a pattern of coercive and menacing behavior.

The case took a darker turn when the victim disclosed her ordeal to a relative, leading to Stewart’s arrest. During the investigation, police uncovered approximately 17,000 images of child abuse stored on Stewart’s devices, a revelation that compounded the gravity of his crimes. The court also learned that the victim had attempted to take her own life due to the trauma inflicted upon her.

Defending Stewart, Matthew Jackson acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating, “This man is well aware that there will be no alternative to a custodial sentence.” It was also noted that Stewart had resigned from the Army Cadet Force following his arrest. His defense highlighted that Stewart had no prior convictions and held a position of responsibility and trust as a part-time sergeant in the Army.

Judge Lady Stacey addressed Stewart directly, condemning his actions as “dreadful” and underscoring the profound damage caused. She remarked that Stewart was beginning to understand the extent of the harm he had inflicted, but emphasized that the punishment must reflect the seriousness of his offenses.