Calum Stewart

Calum Stewart, a 42-year-old sergeant in the Army Cadet Force in Carnoustie, Angus, has been sentenced to six years in prison for sexually assaulting a young woman over a four-year period. The offences began in 2007 when the victim was 19 years old, and Stewart exploited his position of trust to perpetrate the abuse.

The High Court in Glasgow heard detailed accounts of the abuse during the sentencing hearing. Prosecutor Shirley McKenna described how Stewart became increasingly controlling over the victim. In one instance, Stewart told the victim that he was no longer having sex with his wife and was 'considering elsewhere' to get his kicks. He also requested and took photographs of the sexual assaults, to which the victim reluctantly agreed in hopes it would end her ordeal. However, the abuse persisted, and in September of the previous year, Stewart sent the victim a still image of one of the assaults as a means of threat, warning that the photograph would be 'left open for others to see'. He further escalated the intimidation by sending a menacing message to the victim's boyfriend: 'Break up with her or I will get you if it's the last thing I do.'

The victim's ordeal came to light after she confided in a relative, leading to Stewart's arrest. Police investigations uncovered approximately 17,000 images of child abuse material stored by Stewart, adding a grave dimension to his criminal behaviour. The court was also informed that the victim had attempted suicide due to the severe trauma inflicted by the abuse.

Defending Stewart, Matthew Jackson acknowledged that a custodial sentence was inevitable, noting that Stewart had no previous convictions and held a position of responsibility as a part-time sergeant in the Army Cadet Force, from which he has since resigned. Judge Lady Stacey, in passing sentence, condemned the offences as 'dreadful', stating to Stewart: 'These are dreadful offences. There is very little that can be said about them. I am told you are beginning to understand the damage you have caused.' The young woman was visibly emotional, leaving the court in tears as the prosecution outlined the extent of her suffering.

This case highlights the profound betrayal of trust by individuals in authority, particularly within youth organisations like the Army Cadet Force. The sentencing reflects the severity of sexual assault combined with the possession of child abuse imagery, as reported by BBC News in their coverage of Scottish Courts proceedings.