DEREK STEWART FROM FORFAR SENTENCED TO 32 MONTHS FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES IN ANGUS

In a significant legal case, Derek Stewart, a 49-year-old man from Forfar, has been sentenced to a prison term of 32 months after admitting to serious criminal conduct involving a minor. The court proceedings revealed that Stewart engaged in a disturbing pattern of grooming a 15-year-old girl for sexual purposes, which included persistent messaging and communication aimed at establishing a relationship with her despite her age.

According to court records, Stewart arranged to meet the underage girl in person, and during one of these encounters, he performed a sexual act in his van. The court was also informed that Stewart expressed his feelings about the incident through messages, where he conveyed both a sense of satisfaction and guilt, indicating a conflicted state of mind regarding his actions.

The case highlighted the grooming and exploitation tactics used by Stewart, which had a detrimental impact on the young girl’s mental health. The court noted that her psychological well-being suffered significantly, leading her to engage in self-harm and attempt suicide on multiple occasions. These actions underscored the severe emotional and psychological damage caused by Stewart’s misconduct.

The offences took place in Angus, with Stewart facing a total of 14 charges related to his inappropriate conduct. The court’s sentencing included a combination of custodial time and supervised release, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring. Stewart’s actions have been condemned by the legal authorities, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from exploitation and ensuring offenders are held accountable for their crimes.