Prosecutor Challenges Actor's Testimony in Glasgow Trial
A prosecutor has urged jurors to reject the "wholly incredible and unreliable" testimony of River City actor Iain Robertson and convict him of crimes against four women, including rape.
John Keenan KC delivered his closing speech at the High Court in Glasgow during the trial of Robertson, 45, who denies seven charges spanning from 2004 to 2020 involving the women who all gave evidence.
Robertson's defence lawyer, Gary Allan KC, acknowledged Robertson's own admission that he was "no angel" but questioned whether jurors could "hand on heart" conclude they do not believe his client.
Keenan described the accounts from the four women as "strong and overwhelming" regarding their experiences with the actor.
It is alleged that Robertson raped one of the women, whom he knew from River City. Keenan told jurors the woman described being "limp and unresponsive" during the incident and "did not participate in any way". Robertson maintains any sexual contact was consensual.
Another allegation, though not a charge, involves Robertson having sex with a woman without her consent during a gathering in the Lake District in September 2007.
"On her account, he forced himself on her despite repeated protestations, saying 'no' and telling him to 'stop'."
Keenan stated that what happened to the 48-year-old woman was "controlling, humiliating and demeaning," noting this was a "common theme" across the other women's testimonies.
Among the accusations involving another woman, a fellow actor, are claims that Robertson assaulted, threatened, and harassed her.
Keenan recalled the witness describing Robertson as "spitting out words" and being "disproportionately angry" at times.
The prosecutor also reminded jurors that Robertson sent items, including Graze snack boxes, to the 40-year-old woman at theatres where she was performing after their breakup.
"You may ask what is so bad at sending someone gifts. But, if you are look at the whole evidence, if it is from someone who is violent and controlling then, I suggest, it takes on a far more sinister twist."
The accusations involving the final woman were described as less serious by the prosecutor, but he alleged she was subjected to "confusing behaviour" and claimed Robertson pushed her while they stayed at his hut in Carbeth, Stirlingshire.
Regarding Robertson's own testimony, Keenan argued that his denials and explanations included details "thought up on the hoof to explain difficult scenarios."
He added that if Robertson's account were correct, then "four unconnected individuals," aside from their link to him, had "made-up" allegations.
"I urge you to reject the evidence of him as wholly incredible and unreliable."
Keenan concluded that Robertson's "denials ring hollow when contrasted with their accounts."
Defence Highlights Actor's Detailed Testimony
In his closing speech, defence KC Gary Allan said the prosecution appeared to criticise Robertson for "remembering too much" during his testimony.
"Being criticised for having too much detail - as if that is a bad thing. Is that really what the suggestion was? Should he have stuck his head in the sand and said: 'I don't know'. Is that a criticism in this life-changing experience because he remembered too much? I will need to remember that when a Crown witness next gives evidence in a trial I am in."
Allan reiterated Robertson's comment that he was "no angel," acknowledging there was conduct the actor was not "proud" of.
However, the advocate asked the jury whether they could "hand on heart" conclude they "do not believe the man when he denies the various allegations."
The KC questioned whether Robertson's account could be dismissed as having "no value" when considering verdicts.
The trial is set to continue on Tuesday, when Lady Drummond is expected to complete her legal directions to the jury.
