Dating app beast targeted single Scots mothers to gain access to their children

A lorry driver has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for using dating apps to target single mothers and sexually assault their children. Paul Stewart, the perpetrator, formed relationships with women online to gain access to their children, abusing and photographing them. Sheriff Alistair Carmichael issued the sentence at Dundee Sheriff Court, also placing Stewart on the Sex Offenders Register for life and subjecting him to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for ten years to restrict his internet access and interactions with minors.

During the trial, it was revealed that Stewart preyed on women with young children on dating websites, earning their trust to be alone with the victims. His crimes included sexually assaulting a toddler, taking indecent images of an 11-month-old baby for the dark web, and abusing a young girl during a sleepover. Despite already being prohibited from contact with under-16s, Stewart convinced one mother to let him babysit her children overnight.

Stewart, 46, from Wick, admitted to nine charges related to offences in Arbroath and Wick between October 2020 and May 2024. Witnesses described him as “great with kids and confident,” further compounding the betrayal of trust experienced by the victims and their families. The court heard how Stewart manipulated situations to access and exploit vulnerable children, leading to his eventual arrest and conviction.

Paul Stewart’s actions have had lasting and devastating impacts on the victims and their families, as highlighted by victim impact statements presented in court. Despite expressing remorse and regret for his actions, the nature of his offences and the harm caused cannot be mitigated. The community has been shocked by the horrifying details of Stewart’s crimes and the breach of trust inherent in his manipulative behaviour.

In a society where online platforms provide opportunities for predators to exploit vulnerabilities, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding measures to protect children from harm. The sentence handed down to Paul Stewart reflects the gravity of his crimes and aims to ensure the safety of the public, particularly vulnerable individuals. Vigilance, education, and a commitment to safeguarding are essential in preventing such atrocities from occurring in the future.