RICHARD STEWART SENTENCED IN DUMFRIES FOR VIOLENT SEXUAL OFFENCES AND DOMESTIC ABUSE

A man identified as Richard Stewart has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term following a series of heinous sexual assaults and abusive behaviors targeting two vulnerable women. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, took place across several locations in Dumfries, Annan, and Lochmaben, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence and exploitation.

Richard Stewart, aged 29, pleaded guilty to a total of nine charges, including seven counts of rape, one of sexual assault, and one related to domestic abuse. The offences were committed between 2009 and 2021, with the court hearing that Stewart’s actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for the feelings and welfare of his victims. The High Court in Edinburgh was told that Stewart’s risk of reoffending was considered high, prompting the imposition of a severe sentence and lifelong restrictions.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Boyd emphasized the gravity of Stewart’s crimes, stating that he had shown no regard for the victims’ pleas to cease his violent behavior. The court was informed that one victim was assaulted while she was experiencing a miscarriage, a particularly cruel act that underscored the brutality of Stewart’s conduct. Another woman was subjected to repeated physical assaults, including punches that resulted in a concussion. The judge described Stewart’s offences as “forceful and often violent rapes,” noting his preference for aggressive sexual acts and his failure to consider the victims’ pain and distress.

Stewart’s criminal history was also highlighted, including a previous conviction from 2015 for sexual offences involving two young girls, aged 12 and 15 at the time. He was sentenced to an extended term of five years, with two years of custodial detention. The court noted that Stewart’s past convictions and recent offences demonstrated a persistent pattern of predatory behavior against vulnerable women.

Police apprehended Stewart last year after receiving a 999 emergency call reporting an assault on one of the victims. His arrest revealed a disturbing history of abuse and violence, and he was subsequently placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Defense counsel Stephen Hughes acknowledged the severity of Stewart’s actions, describing them as “exceptionally cruel experiences” inflicted upon two women who were in relationships with him at the time.

In addition to the sexual offences, Stewart was convicted of domestic abuse involving controlling behavior, restrictions on liberty, verbal abuse, and physical assaults. The court’s assessment of Stewart’s risk of reoffending was supported by a comprehensive risk evaluation, which concluded that he remains a high threat to the safety of the public, particularly vulnerable women known to him. Despite some positive signs, such as his engagement with educational courses in prison and a genuine desire for professional help, the risk assessment underscored the potential danger Stewart poses if released.

Lord Boyd imposed an Order for Lifelong Restriction, with a punishment part set at three years and four months. The judge explained that this decision was based on the seriousness of the offences, Stewart’s previous convictions, and the fact that some crimes occurred while he was on license from a prior sentence. The total determinate sentence, had it been purely based on retribution and deterrence, would have been approximately eleven years, but the imposed sentence reflects a combination of factors including Stewart’s history and the need for public protection.

Furthermore, Stewart is now subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which mandates indefinite registration and monitoring. The court’s clerk will serve him with a notice detailing these obligations, which he must adhere to strictly. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about Stewart’s dangerousness and the importance of stringent measures to prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals in Dumfries and surrounding areas.