Cumbernauld chef jailed for 14 years over campaign of abuse and violence

A Cumbernauld chef who waged a campaign of violence and control against women while moving across the country has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

David Robertson, 28, was convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of two counts of attempted murder and two counts of rape, among other serious offences.

His crimes, which spanned locations in Lanarkshire, East Lothian, and the Scottish Borders, left three women traumatised.

The court heard how Robertson subjected his victims to threats, degrading comments, and physical assaults, using fear to dominate and control them.

One woman described how he attacked her in public places, including a bar and a train, as well as in private.

Another testified that he used weapons, including a knife and a metal dog chain, to inflict brutal violence. He also isolated her from loved ones and controlled her social media.

Robertson was convicted of seven charges, including two under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, which criminalises ongoing abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner.

On 6 February 2025, he was handed a 14-year jail term. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and made subject to indefinite non-harassment orders, preventing him from contacting his victims.

Following the sentencing, Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, praised the bravery of the women who came forward.

She said: "David Robertson exploited the trust of several women, using coercive control and inflicting physical and sexual violence. Thanks to the courage of the victims in speaking out, COPFS was able to bring him to justice.

"I commend these women for their strength and hope they can now begin to move forward. I urge anyone experiencing similar abuse to seek help and report it."

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, support is available through organisations such as Scottish Women’s Aid (0800 027 1234) and Rape Crisis Scotland (08088 01 03 02).

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