River City actor gave 'unreliable' evidence in rape trial, says prosecutor

A prosecutor has urged jurors to reject the "wholly incredible and unreliable" testimony of a River City actor and convict him of crimes against four women, including rape.

John Keenan KC made his closing speech in the trial of Iain Robertson at the High Court in Glasgow.

Robertson, 45, denies seven charges - spanning between 2004 and 2020 - involving the women, who all gave evidence to the trial.

His lawyer, Gary Allan KC, reiterated Robertson's own comment that he was "no angel" but questioned whether jurors could "hand on heart" conclude that they do not believe him.

Keenan suggested what the jury had heard from the four women were "strong and overwhelming" accounts of their experiences with the actor.

It is alleged Robertson raped one of the women, who he knew from River City.

Keenan told jurors how the woman described being "limp and unresponsive" during any incident and "did not participate in any way".

Robertson claims any sexual contact between them was consensual.

Another accusation - although not a charge - is that Robertson had sex with another woman without her consent during a get together in the Lake District in September 2007.

Keenan said: "On her account, he forced himself on her despite repeated protestations, saying 'no' and telling him to 'stop'."

The advocate depute claimed what happened to the 48-year-old was "controlling, humiliating and demeaning". He said this was a "common theme" when looking at the evidence of the other women.

Among the accusations involving another woman - a fellow actor - is that Robertson assaulted, threatened and harassed her.

Keenan recalled how the witness spoke of him "spitting out words" and being "disproportionately angry" at times.

The prosecutor also reminded jurors of claims Robertson sent items - including Graze snack boxes - to the 40 year-old at theatres where she was performing after they broke up.

Keenan said: "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 prosecutor said the accusations involving the final woman were less serious.

But he alleged she was still subjected to "confusing behaviour" and claims Robertson also pushed her while they were staying at his hut in Carbeth, Stirlingshire.

Regarding Robertson's own testimony, Keenan said his denials and account of what happened included details "thought up on the hoof to explain difficult scenarios".

He added if the actor was correct then "four unconnected individuals", other than their link to him, had "made-up" allegations.

"I urge you to reject the evidence of him as wholly incredible and unreliable," he said.

The prosecutor said his "denials ring hollow when contrasted with their accounts".

In his closing speech, defence KC Gary Allan said the prosecution had appeared to criticise Robertson as he seemingly "remembered too much" in his testimony.

Allan said: "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 repeated Robertson's comment that he was "no angel" adding there was certain conduct the actor was not "proud" of.

But 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 his account could be dismissed as of being "no value" when verdicts were being considered.

The trial continues on Tuesday, when Lady Drummond is expected to complete her legal directions to the jury.