Court / Man sentenced for offences committed more than 50 years ago

A MAN from Bigton who previously admitted three charges of lewd, indecent or libidinous behaviour which were committed in the late 1960s has been placed under supervision for nine months.

Robert Robertson, 68, was aged 14 and 15 at the time of the offences.

He previously admitted carrying out the behaviour to one young girl during a period between 1 January 1968 and 31 December 1969, and to two others between 1 January 1969 and 31 December 1969.

On all occasions the girls were enticed into Robertson’s home, and two of the charges include simulating sexual intercourse.

The case called at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday morning for sentencing following the preparation of background reports.

Defence agent Gregor Kelly said at the start of his mitigation that he did not wish to downplay the serious nature of the offences, or the impact on those involved.

“The passage of time does not diminish the effect on these ladies’ lives, and that’s a source of extreme regret for Mr Robertson,” he said.

The solicitor said it was a “spectacular fall from grace” for his client, who had become a managing director of a local company.

“He’s lived the last 53 years without any stain on his character whatsoever,” Kelly added.

The solicitor said incidents in Robertson’s earlier childhood may partly explain his actions, but said they were not an excuse.

The court heard that Robertson was deemed to be of a negligible or low risk when it came to reoffending.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said he had to work under current sentencing guidelines, which call for a “fair and proportionate” punishment.

He said they were serious offences which had a lasting impact on at least one of the complainers.

The sheriff said: “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.”

Sheriff Cruickshank decided to place Robertson under supervision for nine months, during which time he will be under notification requirements for the sex offenders’ register.

Following the sentencing detective sergeant Bruce Peebles of Police Scotland said: “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.

“Should you wish to report a sexual crime to Police Scotland, then please do so by contacting officers on 101, or by making an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”