In July 2026, former River City actor Iain Robertson was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping one woman and assaulting two others – a case that highlights the challenges and outcomes of prosecuting historical sexual offences in Scotland. Robertson, 45, played Stevie O'Hara in the BBC soap and was convicted last month of five offences against three women between 2004 and 2019. At the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lady Drummond described the impact on his victims as "long lasting and life-changing," noting they now suffer from anxiety, fear, flashbacks, and problems with trust and a sense of safety.
The case centred on the testimony of three women who described Robertson as "violent" and "controlling." One woman, a fellow actor who had worked with him on River City, said Robertson raped her between 2018 and 2019. She had previously told him she wanted their relationship to remain platonic, but he allegedly had sex with her after she agreed to sleep in his bed on the understanding "nothing would happen." She told the court she did not participate and went "limp" during the assault. On a separate occasion, he performed a sex act on her while she "just waited for it to be over." The jury also convicted him of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour against this woman.
“Former River City actor Iain Robertson jailed for nine years for rape and assault of three women.”
Another charge involved a different woman in 2007 during a trip to the Lake District. While the jury did not have to deliver a verdict on a sexual incident, Robertson was convicted of assaulting her by pouring wine over her head and her university coursework. A third woman, also a fellow actor, described how Robertson hounded her with an "obsessive" amount of calls and voicemails, and sent gifts to theatres where she was performing. He was found guilty of threatening and abusive behaviour towards her.
Robertson, who attended his sentencing via video link from Barlinnie prison, showed no reaction as the sentence was handed down. In addition to nine years in prison, he was ordered to serve a further three years under supervision, was added to the sex offenders' register indefinitely, and made subject to indefinite non-harassment orders. During his trial, Robertson said he was "no angel" but denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was sensitive enough to know when a woman is consenting.
Why it matters for UK readers This case demonstrates that even high-profile figures in the entertainment industry can be held accountable for historical sexual offences, and that the justice system takes victim testimony seriously. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service praised the women who spoke out, stating it was through their testimony that Robertson was brought to justice. It also underscores the long-term psychological impact on survivors and the challenges of prosecuting crimes that occurred years earlier.
Key questions answered Q: What crimes was Iain Robertson convicted of? He was convicted of five offences: rape of one woman, sexual assault of the same woman, engaging in a course of abusive behaviour against her, assault of a second woman by pouring wine on her, and threatening and abusive behaviour towards a third woman.
Q: How long was the abuse period? The offences took place between 2004 and 2019, spanning 15 years.
Q: What is Robertson's sentence and what other restrictions were imposed? He was jailed for nine years, with an additional three-year supervision period after release. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and made subject to indefinite non-harassment orders.
What happens next Robertson will serve his prison sentence in Scotland, and upon release will be subject to supervision and the terms of the non-harassment orders. The indefinite sex offender registration means he will be monitored for life.