ABERDEEN MAN PAUL STEWART CONVICTED OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND STALKING BUT ACQUITTED OF RAPE
A jury has cleared an Aberdeen man accused of raping two women in the city, but still convicted him of domestic abuse and stalking.Paul Stewart faced multiple charges during his four-day trial at the High Court in Aberdeen earlier this week.
He denied all allegations, claiming any sexual activity was consensual, and accused his alleged victims of conspiring against him.
The jury returned two 'not proven' verdicts for the most severe sexual offences, acquitting him of those.
Stewart, aged 27 and residing in Kincorth Land, was visibly emotional as he left the dock following the court's decision.
During proceedings, Stewart was accused of coercively raping both women, including blackmailing one into sex by threatening to report her living conditions to social workers, and forcing another to have sex in a lay-by.
His defense questioned the credibility of these accusations.
Stewart admitted to sending excessive texts but was convicted of domestic abuse by harassment, with evidence that his messages overwhelmed a woman and caused distress, resulting in her mother taking her out of the situation.
The prosecution argued Stewart was a 'sexual predator' who used threats and blackmail to manipulate the women, who were particularly vulnerable due to their circumstances.
The jury found the rape charges not proven but convicted him on charges of domestic abuse, stalking, and controlling behaviour, including actions like seizing a woman by the neck, pinning her against a wall, and brandishing a knife.
Judge Graham Buchanan emphasized the seriousness of these convictions and deferred sentencing pending background reports, releasing Stewart on bail with a court date scheduled for next month.
