ABERDEEN MAN DAVID ROBERTSON SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN ABERDEEN, ARBROATH, NAIRN, AND KEITH
In a case that has spanned several decades and involved numerous victims, David Robertson, a 58-year-old man from Aberdeen, has been convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed across multiple locations in Scotland.The crimes, which include rape, indecent assault, and abuse of vulnerable adults and children, have left a lasting scar on the lives of those affected.
Robertson’s offending history dates back to 1974, when he was just 17 years old, and continued until 2011.
His criminal activities were not confined to his hometown of Aberdeen but extended to various other sites, including a holiday park in Arbroath, a caravan park in Nairn, and in the town of Keith.
His employment at the Lord Provost Henry E Rae Community Centre in Aberdeen, where he worked as a caretaker, placed him in a position of trust, which he exploited to commit his crimes.
In 2014, Robertson was sentenced to a substantial term of 15 years and four months in prison after being convicted of 25 charges involving 16 victims.
The court heard that his victims ranged from children under the age of seven to adult women with learning difficulties, as well as a male victim also suffering from learning disabilities.
During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Boyd of Duncansby emphasized the severity of Robertson’s crimes, stating that he posed a significant risk to the public while at liberty.
Lord Boyd detailed the impact of Robertson’s actions, recounting that one victim expressed relief upon moving away from Aberdeen, describing it as the happiest day of her life because she would be free from his abuse.
The judge also highlighted Robertson’s apparent lack of insight into the harm he caused, noting that while he admitted to some offenses, he minimized the extent of his misconduct.
The court was moved by the courage of victims who testified against him, many of whom described how their lives had been devastated by his actions.
Robertson’s criminal record includes charges of rape, indecent behavior, assault, and abuse, with some victims being men.
During the trial, one young girl tearfully recounted how Robertson had raped her as a child and would bribe her with ice cream to keep her silent.
Despite his admissions of guilt in some cases, Robertson maintained his innocence regarding the rape charges, claiming he felt “disgusted” with himself and expressed a strange sense of relief at being caught.
Following his conviction, police described Robertson as “highly manipulative and controlling,” and his defense lawyer, Jonathan Crowe, argued that Robertson was a first-time offender who had shown remorse and empathy for his victims.
Crowe also stated that Robertson was willing to participate in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.
Robertson himself reportedly told a social worker that he was “relieved” when police detained him, acknowledging the seriousness of his crimes.
In April 2014, further assessments indicated that Robertson posed a high risk of reoffending, especially towards vulnerable individuals such as children and adults with learning difficulties.
A forensic psychiatrist, Dr.
John Baird, confirmed that Robertson was of good intelligence and did not suffer from a mental disorder, but his dangerousness warranted consideration of a lifelong restriction order.
The court noted that a further hearing would be scheduled to determine whether Robertson might face a life sentence with an order for lifelong restriction, which would impose a minimum period of detention and ongoing supervision.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Robertson’s case drew significant attention, with multiple trials and appeals.
In 2013, he was found guilty of 25 charges, including the rapes of two women and a young girl, with seven victims being children and nine adults, including two men.
The court commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward, and a relative of one victim expressed satisfaction that justice was served, calling Robertson “an animal.” Detective Inspector Janice Falconer of the police force overseeing the case expressed her support for the victims and condemned Robertson’s manipulative tactics.
She emphasized that his abuse had tainted many lives and that it was only through the victims’ courage that his criminal activities had been brought to light.
Robertson’s case remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.
