GRAHAM SOAVE SHOCKS DUNDEE WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AND BUS ATTACKS
A woman residing in Dundee was subjected to a terrifying and invasive sexual assault at her own home by a stranger who bizarrely claimed to be the renowned football figure Graeme Souness.The incident, which occurred on January 24, has left the victim deeply distressed and has brought the accused, 36-year-old Graham Soave, into custody pending sentencing.
According to court proceedings at Dundee Sheriff Court, the disturbing events unfolded in the evening, with children present during some of Soave’s erratic and threatening behaviour.
Witnesses reported that Soave was seen loitering in the gardens of the woman’s property around 10:10 pm, knocking over a bin and attempting to gain entry into her house despite not knowing her.
Several residents emerged from their homes to investigate the commotion, and it was during this time that Soave’s actions escalated.
He was observed banging persistently on the woman’s front door, refusing to leave when asked.
Eventually, he managed to force his way inside.
Once inside, Soave approached the woman and, in a bizarre display, claimed to be Graeme Souness, the famous football manager and former player associated with Liverpool, Rangers, and the Scotland national team.
He told her, “My name is Graeme Souness and your life would be better with me.
You need to live your life and move on.” Tragically, the situation took a more sinister turn as Soave proceeded to kiss the woman’s face without her consent and then grabbed her breast beneath her clothing.
The court heard that this assault left the woman feeling “violated” and deeply distressed.
Soave’s behaviour was described as unhinged and bizarre, with the claim about being Souness adding a disturbing layer to his actions.
Following the assault, Soave left the scene and boarded a bus operated by Xplore Dundee, intending to travel to the city centre.
However, the bus was heading in the wrong direction, and Soave sat down next to the only other passenger on board.
The situation quickly deteriorated as Soave became agitated, gesturing aggressively as if he was about to strike the man.
The passenger, understandably alarmed, told Soave to leave him alone.
In response, Soave returned to the front of the bus, dropped his phone, and muttered threatening words, saying, “when I get back to you I swear to god.” His aggressive behaviour culminated in him punching the bus passenger in the face, causing visible bruising and a cut to his eye.
This assault further underscores the dangerous and unpredictable nature of Soave’s conduct during this incident.
Legal representatives for Soave, including solicitor Jim Caird, expressed remorse and explained that his behaviour was heavily influenced by intoxication.
Caird stated, “He is extremely ashamed and very shocked at his behaviour.
He was certainly very heavily intoxicated.” The court heard that Soave, who resides on Prior Road in Forfar, had previously been registered as a sex offender.
The judge, Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane, ordered a report to be prepared and deferred sentencing until April, while also continuing Soave’s remand in custody.
The case highlights a series of alarming and violent episodes that have left the Dundee community shaken and underscore the importance of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in such cases.
