Former River City actor Iain Robertson jailed for nine years for rape and assault

Former River City star Iain Robertson has been jailed for nine years for raping a woman and assaulting two others.

The 45-year-old, who played Stevie O'Hara in the BBC soap, was last month found guilty of five offences between 2004 and 2019.

Robertson, who won a BAFTA for his performance in the 1996 Glasgow gang film Small Faces, also starred in Grange Hill, Rab C. Nesbitt, and Steven Spielberg's Band of Brothers.

Judge Lady Drummond told him his offending had involved "violence, coercion, intimidation, and sexual abuse".

She added: "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."

During his trial at the High Court in Glasgow, prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) told jurors that Robertson subjected victims to violence, threats and aggression.

COPFS said he poured a bottle of wine over the head of one woman and raped another during a campaign of "coercive and controlling behaviour".

The rape occurred at some point between 2018 and 2019.

His victim testified Robertson had sex with her despite her making clear she was not consenting. She described going "limp" when he was on top of her.

COPFS said Robertson "manipulated victims psychologically", falsely telling the friends of one victim that she was mentally unstable, letting himself into her home without her knowledge or consent, sending unwanted gifts, and threatening to self-harm.

During his own testimony, Robertson admitted he was "no angel" but denied any wrongdoing.

He said he is "aware" of when a woman is consenting to sex, and is "sensitive" enough to know about non-verbal communication.

Robertson was convicted of two counts of assault, behaving in a threatening or abusive manner; abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner; and rape and sexual assault.

The actor, from Stirlingshire, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday.

Appearing via video link from HMP Barlinnie, he was handed a 12-year extended sentence, with nine years in jail and three years on licence once released back into the community.

Lady Drummond told Robertson he needed to go to prison for his crimes after hearing from defence advocate Gary Allan KC.

She added: "You have had by all accounts a successful acting career which came to an end when this prosecution began.

"I've heard this morning from Mr Allan that it is your view that it is very unlikely that upon your release you will resume that employment.

"I have read the 13 character references that have been provided to me by your defence team from your family which do paint a very different picture of you, and I recognise from these that you are somebody that others have at some time relied upon for support.

"I have also read the victim impact statements which make evident the lasting psychological harm of your offending.

"The complainers indicate they suffer anxiety, fear, flashbacks, and difficulties with trust. It has also impacted their relationships, their confidence and their sense of safety."

Robertson was additionally placed on the sex offenders' register and handed a 99-year non-harassment order.

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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."

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