ROBERT DEWAR FROM LOCHGELLY SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR SERIAL SEXUAL OFFENSES IN FIFE

A man from Lochgelly, aged 48, has been handed a substantial prison sentence of ten years after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual crimes that spanned over a decade and a half. The conviction stems from a detailed court case where Robert Dewar was found guilty of committing five severe sexual assaults and four additional attacks on women, incidents that took place between 1998 and 2013 in various locations across Fife.

During the proceedings, the court heard harrowing accounts of Dewar’s violent and predatory behavior. His attacks included raping women, forcibly pulling one victim by her hair, and subjecting others to vicious assaults that left lasting trauma. The court was also informed that Dewar employed threats and intimidation tactics, such as threatening to set victims on fire, pouring alcohol on one woman and threatening to ignite it, and physically assaulting another woman by pushing her down stairs and strangling her. These acts demonstrated a pattern of brutality and a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of his victims.

One survivor recounted how Dewar, under the influence of alcohol, raped her, describing the assault as a deeply traumatic experience. Another victim detailed how Dewar threatened to burn her using alcohol, adding to the sense of menace that surrounded his actions. The court also heard that Dewar was assessed as being at a high risk of re-offending, leading to his placement on the sex offenders register for life, a measure designed to monitor and protect the community from potential future harm.

Judge Lord Bannatyne emphasized the severity and offensive nature of Dewar’s conduct, describing his crimes as very significant and warranting a custodial sentence. Dewar’s behavior was characterized as part of a disturbing pattern that required strict legal consequences. In addition to the sexual offenses, Dewar was convicted of assaulting a woman in Fife, further illustrating his violent tendencies. Throughout the trial, Dewar maintained his innocence and showed no remorse for his actions. His defense advocate, Ronnie Renucci, highlighted that Dewar suffers from mental health issues and had an unhappy childhood, suggesting these factors as possible influences on his behavior.

Following his conviction, Dewar was sentenced to serve a total of ten years in prison. Upon release, he will be subject to a supervised term of three years, during which he will be required to undergo psychological treatment. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society, especially to women in the Fife area. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for victims of sexual violence and the need for continued vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of the community.