Iain Robertson, a 45-year-old actor known for roles in British television including the BBC soap opera River City and the Steven Spielberg miniseries Band of Brothers, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment following his conviction on five offences. The High Court in Glasgow found him guilty of raping one woman and assaulting two others, with the crimes occurring between 2004 and 2019.
During the trial, witnesses described Robertson’s behavior as violent and controlling. Lady Drummond, the presiding judge, noted that his actions had caused lasting psychological harm to his victims, who now experience anxiety, fear, flashbacks, and difficulties with trust and personal safety. The judge detailed a pattern of abusive conduct that included threatening language, property damage, harassment through persistent messaging and monitoring, and in one instance, pouring wine over a victim’s head.
One victim, who worked with Robertson on River City, reported that he engaged in sexual activity with her without her consent after she had indicated she wanted their relationship to remain platonic. She stated she did not participate in the incident and had not wanted it to occur. Evidence of a separate sexual assault from 2007 was presented to corroborate the rape charge, though jurors did not deliver a verdict on that specific incident.
A third woman, also an actress, described being subjected to obsessive contact from Robertson, including numerous calls and voicemails, along with gifts sent to theaters where she performed. He was found guilty of threatening and abusive behavior toward her as well.
Robertson’s defense advocate argued that the convictions would significantly impact his professional prospects, noting that he had been unemployed since 2023. Robertson will be placed on the sex offenders’ register and subject to supervision for three years following his release. The BBC stated it was appalled by the crimes and expressed support for the victims.
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