ABUSER HELD HIS HANDS OVER WOMAN’S NOSE AND MOUTH AND STOPPED HER BREATHING
A man was jailed after his actions left a young woman terrified through a series of violent physical attacks and threats of sexual assault.Connor Stewart, 21 years old, was responsible for multiple assaults on a female victim who cannot be named for legal reasons, at a property in Inverness during July 2025.
At a hearing held at the Edinburgh High Court, it was explained that Stewart’s aggressive conduct began following a day of drinking.
Prosecutor Alan Cameron KC described one of the assaults in detail during Friday’s proceedings.
He told the court: “He put one of his arms around her neck and seized her mouth with his hand, covering her mouth and nose with his hand.
“This lasted a couple of seconds.
His face was pushed up against her head and he was shouting abusive comments in her ear.
“She was crying and scared.
She was shaking.” The story surfaced after Stewart, who is originally from Inverness, admitted to threatening behaviour and physical abuse charges.
Regarding a different episode, Mr.
Cameron recounted how Stewart again tried to cut off her airflow.
He added: “He swore on his mum’s life that he would not hurt her.
The accused pushed her into the bedroom where he called her a s**g.
“She was crying.
He held his hand over her nose and mouth.
She could not breathe.
She hit his arms for him to release her, and he eventually did.
“He then got on top of her and held her nose and mouth whilst shouting and swearing at her.
“He then started to shout at her about rape and how he had been charged with rape.” The court was told the woman later spoke to others, describing her reaction as being ‘absolutely terrified,’ crying hysterically.
Police managed to locate Stewart and arrest him soon after the incidents.
During the hearing, defense solicitor Shahid Latif conveyed his client’s remorse.
He stated that Stewart felt shame and regret for his actions, leading to his guilty plea.
Mr Latif also asked the judge to order a background check on Stewart for further context.
The judge, McFadyen, ordered that Stewart be detained until his sentencing, which is scheduled for later this year.
The court noted particular concern regarding the method Stewart used to restrict his victim’s breathing.
Sentencing will take place at the Edinburgh High Court on April 28, 2026.
