Trial Details Sexual Assault Allegation Against Iain Robertson
A woman testified at a trial that River City actor Iain Robertson engaged in sexual activity with her without her consent during a trip to the Lake District in 2007, despite her insistence that she did not want to.
The 48-year-old woman alleged that the 45-year-old actor forced himself on her after becoming upset during a game with friends. The incident reportedly took place during a getaway involving others.
Robertson, known for his role as Stevie O'Hara in the BBC soap River City, is currently on trial at the High Court in Glasgow. He denies eight charges involving four women spanning from 2004 to 2020. Among these charges is an allegation of rape from a different woman who testified earlier in the proceedings.
While Robertson is not charged with raping the latest witness, prosecutors have submitted a document outlining how they may present evidence that he had sex with this woman without her consent at accommodation in Coniston, Lake District, in September 2007.
The court heard that the woman did not disclose the incident until police visited her home in 2023. The jury was informed that she "burst into tears" when officers mentioned Robertson, who is from Carbeth, Stirlingshire.
Advocate depute John Keenan KC questioned the woman about the 2007 incident. She had been in a relationship with Robertson and traveled with him and others to celebrate a friend's birthday.
During the trip, the woman recalled participating in a "silly game" where a rude word was inserted into a film title. Robertson was not involved in the game. The woman noticed Robertson standing in a corridor looking "disgusted" and mouthing that he wanted to speak with her.
"It was easier to do that rather than just ignore him. He was angry and saying what a pathetic game. Every time this happened, I just went quiet and like 'okay'. I did not know what to say."
The woman became annoyed and did not return to the game. She and Robertson went to their bedroom, where he wanted to have sex. She told the court:
"I said 'no'. I was very upset and wanted to go to sleep."
Despite her refusal, the witness claimed Robertson "ignored" her and kissed her. She believed she also said "stop," but Robertson proceeded to have sex with her while holding down one of her arms.
"I do remember not wanting it and I do remember saying that I did not want it."
Keenan asked:
"Did you want that to happen?"
The prosecutor followed with:
"How clear were you?"
The witness replied:
"I said 'no'."
Emotional Impact and Police Involvement
The woman described feeling "confused" and "just exhausted by the whole thing." Police visited her home in October 2023 to inquire about Robertson. She recalled that when officers explained their purpose, she "burst into tears."
The witness explained she had spent a "very long time" trying not to think about her time with Robertson but did not initially report the Lake District incident. It was only during a second police meeting a week later that she disclosed the alleged event.
Gary Allan KC, defending Robertson, questioned why she had not initially spoken about being raped by him. The woman responded that it had been an "extremely traumatic thing" and that only after speaking with officers did she feel it was the "time" to reveal what she claimed happened.
Allan later suggested to the woman that she had at least consented to or even initiated sexual activity that night in the Lake District.
"I suggest to you that not once did you say 'no' or 'stop'."
The woman replied:
"Okay - but I did."
The trial, presided over by Lady Drummond, continues.
