ROBERT STEWART'S HORRIFIC ATTACK NEAR DUNBAR LEAVES WOMAN FIGHTING FOR LIFE

A man named Robert Stewart has been sentenced to a nine-year prison term after being convicted of attempting to murder a woman during a brutal assault that took place at a caravan near Skateraw, Dunbar, in East Lothian. The violent incident occurred over two days, October 9 and 10, 2019, and the court heard harrowing details of the attack that left the victim, Stephanie McMillan, severely injured.

According to court records, Stewart, aged 40, subjected Ms. McMillan to a savage assault that involved multiple forms of violence. He first grabbed her by the hair, pulling her forcefully before launching a series of punches aimed at her face and body. The assault escalated further when Stewart used a metal pole to whip her repeatedly, striking her legs and other parts of her body. The victim described the attack as relentless, with Stewart continuing to strike her with the pole, causing her immense pain.

In addition to the physical violence, Stewart attempted to suffocate Ms. McMillan by pressing a cushion over her face, which caused her to lose consciousness temporarily. During the assault, he also forced a sock into her mouth, further endangering her life. The severity of her injuries was confirmed in hospital, where medical staff diagnosed her with a punctured lung, a life-threatening injury that underscored the brutality of the attack.

Throughout the trial, the court heard that Stewart had a troubling criminal history. Jamie Gilchrist QC, representing the prosecution, highlighted Stewart’s previous convictions and emphasized the disturbing nature of his record. The judge, in delivering the sentence, also ordered that Stewart be monitored for an additional two years following his release from prison.

Stewart had initially denied the charges, claiming he was not attempting to murder Ms. McMillan. However, after a thorough trial, the jury found him guilty of the attempted murder. It was also revealed that Stewart had previously served a 32-month sentence for a serious assault on Ms. McMillan, indicating a pattern of violent behavior.

During her testimony, Ms. McMillan recounted the events leading up to the attack. She explained that she had asked Stewart if he was going to collect winkles, a type of shellfish, but he dismissed her and told her to go with his brother instead. She noted that there was no space in the brother’s car, and she was unable to drive herself. When she questioned Stewart about his plans, he became agitated and started shouting and crying, telling her she better find a way to go and get the winkles.

Later, she attempted to call her sister from a car, but Stewart pulled her out by her hair and began assaulting her. Once inside the caravan, Stewart continued his attack, striking her with a metal pole and repeatedly whipping her legs. Ms. McMillan described her terror, stating that Stewart threatened to kill her multiple times, saying, “I am going to kill you before the night comes to an end.” She managed to push him away and run to another caravan in an effort to seek help, but Stewart caught her and dragged her back.

She expressed her fear, saying, “I was petrified for my life. He said to me he was going to kill me before the night was out. He said it about ten times.” Her account detailed her struggle to breathe and her pain, which was so severe that she believed she was going to die. Her injuries, including the punctured lung, confirmed the seriousness of the assault.

In sentencing, the judge emphasized the brutality of Stewart’s actions and the danger he posed to others. Stewart’s criminal record and the severity of this attack contributed to the nine-year prison term, with additional supervision ordered after his release. The case highlights the ongoing issues of domestic violence and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their violent crimes.