MARTIN STEWART STRATHAVEN HORRIFIC DOG ATTACK AND STABBING IN GLASGOW

Martin Stewart, a resident of Rokeby Crescent in Strathaven, has been involved in a disturbing and violent incident that shocked the local community and drew attention from authorities. Born around 1988, Stewart, who is known for his involvement in the band Another Filthy Weekend, as well as working as a hairdresser and personal trainer, carried out a brutal assault on a beloved family pet, Fergus, a black Labrador owned by his partner Kelly Steedman.

According to court reports, Stewart subjected Fergus to a series of violent acts that left the dog fighting for its life. The incident unfolded during the early hours after the two had been outside together to participate in the NHS clap, a community event held during the pandemic to show appreciation for healthcare workers. After returning home and falling asleep, Kelly Steedman was awakened by distressing sounds coming from upstairs. She quickly went to investigate and found Stewart in a horrifying state of aggression, with Fergus caught in a headlock.

Depute fiscal Jennifer Cunningham detailed the scene: Stewart was applying pressure to Fergus’s neck, causing the dog’s eyes to roll back in its head. Kelly attempted to free Fergus from Stewart’s grip, but he refused to release the animal. The dog managed to escape the room, but Stewart’s violence did not end there. He proceeded to secure a dog chain around Fergus’s neck, tying the other end to a door handle. Then, in a further act of cruelty, Stewart pulled the chain, lifting Fergus off the ground and suspending him by his neck.

Kelly Steedman intervened, placing her arms under Fergus to try and relieve the pressure and screaming for Stewart to stop. She described the scene as terrifying, noting that Fergus was choking. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Kelly went outside to call emergency services. It was during this chaos that Stewart, wielding a kitchen knife, stabbed Fergus twice in the abdomen. Kelly attempted to wrestle the knife away, but Stewart’s violence escalated further when he stabbed himself in the neck.

The court heard that when police arrived at the scene, Stewart made alarming statements, claiming, “I’m God. I’m being commanded to kill you, you have come here to die demon,” before threatening the officers and lashing out at them. Despite the severity of his actions, Kelly Steedman has expressed her support for Stewart, even submitting a letter of support to the court, standing by him despite the near-fatal attack on her dog.

Stewart’s legal team presented evidence that he had undergone psychiatric evaluation, which found him fit to stand trial. A criminal justice social work report was also reviewed by Sheriff Thomas Millar, who described the incident as “a bizarre episode.” The sheriff acknowledged that Stewart has made some progress in addressing his issues but emphasized the importance of continued supervision.

In sentencing, Stewart was ordered to undergo a two-year supervision period. The court decided not to impose a ban or deprivation order concerning Fergus, allowing the dog to remain with his owner. The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the severity of animal cruelty and the importance of mental health considerations in criminal proceedings.