During a recent rape trial, a woman testified that actor Iain Robertson was characterized as a ‘violent alcoholic’ who subjected her to physical and emotional abuse.
The former River City actor, known for his role as drug-dealer Stevie O’Hara on the popular BBC soap, is accused of engaging in “threatening or abusive behavior” towards the woman between 2013 and 2015.
Additionally, Robertson faces allegations of assaulting her twice in 2014.
Furthermore, he is accused of raping another woman on multiple occasions from 2018 to 2019 and committing offenses involving two other women over a 16-year span from 2004 to 2020. Robertson has denied all the charges brought against him.
In her testimony on the trial’s first day, one of the actor’s alleged victims shared with the High Court in Glasgow that she first encountered Robertson in 2012 or 2013 as she was completing drama school.
Initially, the 45-year-old actor was described as “quite charming” by the woman during her remote court appearance, but his demeanor gradually changed.
She detailed how his behavior evolved from being emotionally controlling and manipulative to escalating to threats of physical violence and eventually actual physical harm.
According to the woman, Robertson frequently attempted to isolate her from her friends and family, creating arguments whenever she intended to meet them.
She labeled him a “violent alcoholic” who consumed alcohol excessively throughout their relationship. When intoxicated, he would address her in a disrespectful and aggressive manner, leaving her feeling distressed.
The court heard that he frequently attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and would use derogatory language towards her when inebriated.
The woman recounted an incident during a holiday where Robertson consumed alcohol excessively, leading to a heated argument while driving to a tourist spot.
Feeling trapped and scared during the incident, she feared for her safety as Robertson’s behavior became increasingly aggressive.
She also described an alarming encounter the night before a scheduled photoshoot in London, where Robertson’s behavior turned threatening and aggressive, causing her to fear physical harm.
The woman further testified that during an argument in 2014, Robertson physically dragged her across the floor, leading her to end the relationship.
Despite subsequent apologies from Robertson via calls, texts, and emails, she expressed feeling fearful and trapped in his presence.
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