Former BBC River City star Iain Robertson has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting two others. The 45-year-old actor was found guilty last month on five charges involving three women, with offences spanning from 2004 to 2019.
Details of the crimes
Robertson raped one woman between 2018 and 2019 and sexually assaulted her on a separate occasion. His conduct towards the other women included shouting, swearing, threats of violence, persistent messaging, and monitoring their whereabouts. He also falsely told friends of one victim that she was mentally unstable, entered her home without her knowledge or permission, and threatened to self-harm. On one occasion, he poured a bottle of wine over a victim.
Passing sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, judge Lady Drummond told Robertson his behaviour involved "violence, coercion, intimidation, and sexual abuse." She said: "None of this was isolated behaviour. It formed part of a pattern of conduct carried out by you to exert power and control over these women and to make them fearful and distressed."
Impact on victims
Lady Drummond stated that rape and sexual assault are "violations of a person's bodily integrity" with effects that can be "long-lasting and life-changing." She noted that victims described in their impact statements "the lasting psychological harm of your not only sexual offending but domestic offending on them, they suffer anxiety, fear, flashbacks, and difficulties with trust. The impact has affected their relationships, their confidence, and their sense of safety."
Recognising Robertson's history of alcohol misuse and adverse childhood experiences, the judge said a custodial sentence was necessary given the gravity of his crimes. She handed down a nine-year prison term with a three-year extension period under close supervision. He was also placed on the sex offenders register and issued with a non-harassment order.
Reactions
Robertson, appearing via videolink wearing a blue top, showed no visible reaction as the sentence was delivered. His lawyer, Gary Allan KC, said revelations about his client's behaviour had had "the most profound impact" on him since they came to light in 2023. Allan told the court that Robertson, who previously achieved "significant success" as an actor, now finds himself "closed out" of his only career. "Whether he will be able to re-join the profession on his eventual release is unknown, but his own view is that it is unlikely," Allan said.
Procurator Fiscal Faye Cook said: "Iain Robertson held a high-profile position through his career but, in private, he assaulted and abused females who trusted him. This has caused lasting damage to the lives of people who thought they were safe around him. Prosecutors from COPFS were able to show his criminal behaviour carried on over a period of many years and involved a number of women. We are grateful that these women were ready to speak out. It is through their testimony that Robertson was brought to justice. To anyone experiencing similar offending, please come forward and report it. COPFS will do all that we can to hold abusers to account while supporting those affected."
Detective Inspector Lyndsay Laird added: "Robertson subjected the victims to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives. Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice. I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated."
