Iain Robertson, a 45-year-old actor known for his portrayal of Stevie O'Hara in the BBC's River City soap opera, has been found guilty of raping a woman and assaulting two other women at Glasgow's High Court. The conviction encompasses five offences, including domestic abuse charges, committed over a period spanning from 2004 to 2019.
During the trial, witnesses described Robertson as 'violent' and 'controlling'. The primary victim provided pre-recorded testimony detailing how she met Robertson on River City and their subsequent intimate relationship. Despite her wishes for a platonic arrangement, Robertson disregarded her boundaries, which she stated led to a struggle to assert control over her own desires.
The women's accounts revealed a 'common theme' of Robertson's controlling behaviour, described as 'humiliating and demeaning' by prosecutor John Keenan KC. The prosecutor dismissed Robertson's testimony as 'wholly incredible and unreliable', highlighting the inconsistencies in his account.
Following the verdict, Robertson showed no discernible emotion as he was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 23 July. Lady Drummond deferred the proceedings to allow for background reports to be prepared, underscoring the seriousness of the convictions.
The case underscores the Scottish legal system's commitment to prosecuting domestic abuse and sexual violence, regardless of the accused's public profile. The detailed accounts presented in court serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and impacts of such offences on victims.