Violent rapist who attempted to murder two women jailed for 14 years

A man who carried out a campaign of violence and control towards women while moving around the country has been jailed for 14 years.

David Robertson from Cumbernauld was found guilty of two charges of attempted murder as well as two counts of rape.

The crimes occurred between 2019 and 2023 in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire and Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.

The chef was first guilty of being threatening and abusive towards a woman, including shouting and swearing at her, checking her mobile phone as well as damaging furniture.

The 28-year-old went on to rape and attempt to kill a second woman.

A third woman also suffered at his hands, including being raped and choked during a murder bid.

One woman told the High Court in Glasgow that she was attacked with weapons, including a knife and a metal dog chain. He isolated her from family and friends and took control of her social media.

Robertson had denied the accusations at an earlier trial.

He was found guilty of a total of seven charges, including two under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 Section 1, which criminalises a course of abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner.

Judge Alasdair MacFadyen told him: “This was abusive and sexually violent conduct.”

He also imposed non-harassment orders banning Robertson from contacting any of the three women for an indefinite period.

Robertson was further put on the sex offenders list.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, Katrina Parkes, said the bravery of victims had ended Robertson’s heinous behaviour towards women.

She said: “David Robertson exploited the trust of several women, wielding coercive control and often inflicting physical and sexual violence.

“The courage of the victims in speaking out has allowed COPFS to ensure this abusive individual faced justice for his crimes.

“His offences were carried out in various locations over a period of years but, when victims came forward, our specialist prosecutors were able to capture an accurate picture of his behaviour.

“I commend the women for so doing and trust they find some comfort now as they attempt to move on.

“I urge anyone affected by similar offending not to suffer in silence but to report it and seek support.”