STUART WATT SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES IN GRANGEMOUTH

In a significant legal proceeding held at the High Court in Edinburgh, Stuart Watt, a resident of Grangemouth, faced the full weight of justice for a series of heinous sexual crimes. The presiding judge, Lord Doherty, delivered a stern sentence after Watt was found guilty of multiple grave offences that have left lasting scars on his victims.

Watt was convicted of engaging in repeated acts of sexual violence against a woman while she was in a vulnerable state, specifically while she was asleep. The court heard that he not only committed multiple rapes but also attempted to assault her sexually during her sleep, along with indecently assaulting her under similar circumstances. These acts were characterized by the court as particularly egregious due to the victim’s helplessness during the incidents.

Furthermore, Watt’s criminal record was examined, revealing a limited history of previous offenses. Despite this, the court emphasized that the severity and impact of his recent crimes warranted a harsh penalty. In addition to the crimes against the woman, Watt was also convicted of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, a charge that significantly contributed to the court’s decision to impose an extended sentence.

Lord Doherty described Watt’s offences as extremely serious, underscoring the profound harm inflicted upon the victims. The judge stated that the nature of these crimes necessitated a sentence that would adequately protect the public, especially considering Watt’s potential risk of reoffending. As a result, Watt was sentenced to an overall term of eight years in prison, consisting of six years of custodial detention followed by a two-year extension. This sentence was backdated to September 26, 2023.

In addition to his imprisonment, Watt was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, a measure aimed at monitoring and managing his potential risk to the community. The court also issued non-harassment orders to prevent any contact between Watt and the victims. Notably, a 10-year order was imposed specifically to prohibit any form of contact with the minor victim, reflecting the court’s concern for her ongoing safety and well-being.

This case highlights the gravity of Watt’s crimes and the judicial system’s response to such serious offences, emphasizing the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.