Former River City actor Iain Robertson found guilty of rape

Iain Robertson, known for his role as Stevie O’Hara in the BBC soap River City, has been found guilty of multiple serious offences, including rape and assaults against three women. The court heard that these offences, spanning from 2004 to 2019, also involved allegations of domestic abuse. The 45-year-old actor appeared at the High Court in Glasgow, where during the trial witnesses described him as “violent” and “controlling.”

The trial included pre-recorded testimony from the rape victim, who described a complex and troubling relationship developing from their time working together on River City. She recounted how, despite her wishes to keep the relationship platonic, Robertson persistently ignored her boundaries and insisted otherwise. When questioned about Robertson’s reaction to her desires, she stated, “It was a long back and forth. Iain was convinced I was in denial about having feelings for him and in denial about what I wanted. I do not think he believed me.”

The victim detailed incidents at Robertson’s homes in Glasgow, where despite her intentions to avoid intimacy, he engaged in sexual activity without her consent. She described feeling numb and helpless during these encounters. Additionally, the court heard of another instance where Robertson became upset over their sexual relationship ending, resulting in him damaging property. While Robertson maintained that all interactions were consensual, the jury found him guilty not only of rape but also of a course of abusive behaviour against this woman.

Further charges included an assault in 2007 on a second woman, during which Robertson poured wine over her and damaged her university work. Though jurors did not rule on a related sexual assault allegation, they convicted him of assault. A third female witness, also an actress, described a 2014 incident where Robertson became physically aggressive towards her and subjected her to persistent and “obsessive” calls and messages. He was convicted of assault and threatening behaviour in relation to this woman but was acquitted on another charge involving her. In closing, the prosecutor highlighted a pattern of Robertson’s controlling and humiliating behaviour toward women, while the defence noted the actor’s professional isolation since the allegations emerged. Sentencing has been postponed to allow for background reports

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