SENTENCING STATEMENTS

A judge may decide to publish a statement after passing sentence on an offender in cases where there is particular public interest; where a case has legal significance; or where providing the reasons for the decision might assist public understanding.

Please note that statements may include graphic details of offences when it is necessary to fully explain the reasons behind a sentencing decision.

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When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence.

For more information about how judges decide sentences; what sentences are available; and matters such as temporary release, see the independent Scottish Sentencing Council website .

Read more about victims of crime and sentencing.

HMA v John Robertson

May 2, 2025

At the High Court in Livingston, Judge Craig sentenced John Robertson to an extended sentence of 9 years after he was convicted of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour including verbal, physical and sexual abuse. The custodial term was set at 7 years and the extension period was set at 2 years.

On sentencing, Judge Craig said:

"The jury was unanimous in finding you guilty of conducting a nearly three year long campaign of verbal, physical and sexual abuse. Your victim was a woman who had been your partner for a time but who had repeatedly tried to end the relationship because of your behaviour towards her. Your victim, and indeed all the witnesses, spoke of how toxic and manipulative you were towards her, and several described the distress and upset which they witnessed. That evidence was very powerful and it is beyond doubt that your abuse of your victim has had a profound effect on her.

The Criminal Justice Social Work (CJSW) report prepared for this morning’s sentencing records that you show limited responsibility for your actions, play down the seriousness of your behaviour and are at significant risk of committing further offences.

That is of concern to this court and will be reflected in the sentence I will impose.

I have had regard to what has been said on your behalf in mitigation and also considered the relevant sentencing guidelines. I must balance the need to protect the public, punish offenders and mark the courts disapproval of behaviour such as yours along with rehabilitation and the opportunity to make amends. In your case your behaviour is so serious only a lengthy custodial sentence is appropriate.

I am also satisfied that given the level of risk identified in the CJSW report the normal period of licence to which you would be subject following your release from custody would not be adequate to protect the public from the risk of serious harm that you present.

Weighing all this together I impose an extended sentence of 9 years comprising a custodial period of 7 years with an extension period of 2 years. That’s backdated to the date of your remand on 28 March 2025.

You will remain subject to the notification requirements applicable to sex offenders for an indefinite period, and your name will be added to the lists of persons deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups.

Finally, I make a Non-harassment Order in relation to the victim of your offending which will also be indefinite, in other words, for life."