In 2021, the Offender Database recorded that then 25-year-old Shane Stewart was convicted of two predatory sexual assaults against strangers in the city centre. Stewart—of Edinburgh—targeted lone women as they walked to work on the morning of 25 October 2020. It was reported that the investigation established a bizarre sequence of events where Stewart was caught after seizing a victim’s phone and using her account to send himself a friend request on Facebook.
The investigation established that Stewart first targeted a 20-year-old woman on East Market Street, Edinburgh, by seizing her waist and pushing her into a hotel window. Police Scotland reported that he squeezed the victim’s neck and made violent threats after she refused his demands for a cuddle. The prosecution reported that a passing van driver intervened after hearing the victim’s shouts for help, allowing her to escape the assault.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Stewart’s second attack on a 26-year-old woman at West College Street was an assault with intent to rape. During this struggle, the victim was left crying and pleading for him to stop as he molested her and made sexual remarks. The investigation established that Stewart paused the assault to ask for the victim’s phone, searching for his own profile to add her as a friend. This digital trail allowed officers to identify him and arrest him at his home later that day while he was attempting to change his clothing.
Judge Fiona Tait presided over the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Stewart appeared via a live link from prison. For his actions in Edinburgh city centre, Stewart pleaded guilty to sexual assault and assault with intent to rape. The judge noted that Stewart had a history of threatening behaviour and was already subject to non-harassment orders aimed at protecting women, necessitating a comprehensive risk assessment before final sentencing.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Scotland, the status of Shane Stewart as of April 3, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Custodial term ongoing).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Risk Status: Subject to an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) assessment due to predatory stranger attacks.
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Assault with intent to rape; Sexual assault; 2 counts).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh; investigated by Police Scotland.
- Criminal Record: Predatory assault with intent to rape; Sexual assault; Previous convictions for assault and breaching non-harassment orders.
- Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Stewart is managed as a high-risk dangerous predator within the Scottish prison estate. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the random targeting of strangers in Edinburgh and an attempt to digitally “friend” his victim during a violent struggle, his management is a maximum priority for the Risk Management Authority. Authorities state that his pattern of ignoring existing court orders to protect women indicates a high risk of reoffending upon any future release.
As a registered sex offender for life, Stewart’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his eventual release will be subject to the most stringent supervision by the Edinburgh Public Protection Unit. Any failure to notify police of his residency, any attempt to contact women via social media, or any presence in the Edinburgh city centre during commuting hours will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from his demonstrated pattern of predatory street violence.
QUESTION – Given that the offender used a victim’s phone to add himself on Facebook during a sexual assault, do you believe that “Social Media Platforms” should be legally required to run daily automated checks against the Sex Offenders Register to permanently ban convicted predators?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.