GRANTOWN BUSINESSMAN CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS
A Grantown-on-Spey businessman and community member, Carl Stewart, has been registered as a sex offender after being found guilty of two sexual assaults.The court proceedings revealed that Stewart engaged in sexually inappropriate and forceful behaviour involving a 17-year-old girl and her mother.
The incidents occurred following a ceilidh at Cromdale Community Hall on December 8 of the previous year, which Stewart had helped organize.
Inverness Sheriff Court detailed that Stewart invited the victims and others back to his home for drinks.
The teenage girl, who was intoxicated, went to use the toilet and was vulnerable when Stewart approached her.
She recounted to the court that he was present when she was feeling sick, and he made unwelcome advances, fondling her breasts and attempting to kiss her forcefully.
The girl described the ordeal as lasting approximately 35 minutes and stated she was passing out due to alcohol consumption.
The girl's mother also testified that Stewart forcibly kissed her on the mouth using his tongue and reacted mockingly when she told him to behave.
Stewart, in his defence, claimed he did not touch either woman and argued he was only attempting to comfort them.
However, the sheriff, Sheriff Cruickshank, found Stewart guilty of two counts of sexual assault without consent and ordered he be placed on the sex offenders register, although sentencing was deferred until a later date for further background checks.
