ROBERT ROBERTSON FROM SHETLAND SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES IN LEIRWICK

In a case that has spanned decades, Robert Robertson, a 68-year-old man from Bigton in Shetland, has been formally sentenced for historical sexual offences committed during the late 1960s. The offences, which involved three young girls, were committed when Robertson was just 14 and 15 years old. The court heard that Robertson had previously admitted to engaging in lewd and indecent behaviour with one girl over a period between January 1, 1968, and December 31, 1969. Additionally, he confessed to similar conduct with two other girls during the same timeframe, specifically between January 1, 1969, and December 31, 1969.

All of these incidents took place at Robertson’s residence, where he enticed the young girls into his home. The charges include disturbing allegations of simulating sexual intercourse, which added gravity to the case. The proceedings took place at Lerwick Sheriff Court on a Thursday morning, where the court was convened to determine the appropriate sentence following the review of background reports and assessments.

During the hearing, Robertson’s legal representative, Gregor Kelly, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences. He emphasized that the passage of time does not lessen the impact these crimes have had on the victims’ lives. Kelly expressed his client’s regret, stating, “The passage of time does not diminish the effect on these ladies’ lives, and that’s a source of extreme regret for Mr Robertson.”

Kelly also described Robertson’s life trajectory, noting that he had become a managing director of a local company and had maintained a reputation free of any criminal conduct for over five decades. He described Robertson’s fall from grace as a “spectacular” one, but highlighted that his client’s earlier childhood experiences might have contributed to his actions, though they are not offered as an excuse.

The court was informed that Robertson was assessed as being at a low or negligible risk of reoffending in the future. Despite this, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank emphasized the importance of delivering a sentence that was both fair and proportionate, in accordance with current sentencing guidelines. The sheriff acknowledged the seriousness of the offences and their lasting impact on at least one of the victims.

Sheriff Cruickshank stated, “Mr Robertson has no previous convictions, he has accepted full responsibility for the commission of these offences, he has expressed deep shame and genuine remorse for what he had done as a child to other children.” As a result, the court ordered Robertson to be placed under supervision for a period of nine months. During this time, he will also be subject to notification requirements under the sex offenders’ register.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Bruce Peebles of Police Scotland commented on the case, saying, “Robertson’s victims have shown great courage in coming forward and making sure he was held accountable for his actions. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that all reports of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland and victims will be supported throughout. I would like to thank the investigative team and our partners for all their hard work on this case.”