Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson found not guilty of assaulting partner

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson has been cleared of domestic abuse.

The 45-year-old was accused of assaulting his partner Robyn Lauchlan by grabbing and pinning her against a fence and acting in a threatening or abusive manner towards her on Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh, on December 13 last year.

Following a two-day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff John Cook found him not guilty.

Reading a statement on behalf of the couple outside court, Miss Lauchlan, 28, said the case had taken an “immeasurable toll on our lives” and criticised domestic abuse law.

She said: “In no shape or form have I ever been a victim of domestic abuse. At no stage did Stephen push, shove or frighten me. He did not do the things he was accused of.

“But it has taken until today for anyone to listen to these facts. It has taken us going to court to be heard. Despite being the alleged victim of domestic abuse, I was not interviewed by the police at any point.

“I was never approached by the Crown Office at any stage to give my version of events. It is only in the witness box today that I have finally been listened to and been able to show this flawed case for what it was.

“The authorities have wasted their time on this, when there are people out there who really need this law and the protection it provides. Others should not suffer in the way that we have.”

Miss Lauchlan said the couple would be taking the matter further to ensure others are not similarly affected and thanked those who supported them, including Motherwell FC for their “total belief in Stephen's innocence throughout and allowing him to continue in his job”.

Announcing his verdict, Sheriff Cook hailed the witnesses who came forward and said the Crown was properly able to proceed with the case, notwithstanding Miss Lauchlan's views that it should not have been prosecuted.

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