In 2026, the Offender Database recorded the conviction of a mother and son for a horrific campaign of physical and sexual abuse against children in their care. On appearing at the High Court in Edinburgh in March 2026, defendants Jennifer Robertson, 79, and Steven Robertson were found guilty of a string of non-recent offences spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s. It was reported that the abuse took place at various locations across Perthshire, involving severe physical assaults by Jennifer and multiple counts of rape and sexual assault by Steven.
The investigation established the systematic nature of the abuse within the foster care environment. Police Scotland reported that the investigation was launched in 2018, uncovering decades of hidden trauma. The prosecution reported that Jennifer Robertson struck a young boy’s head against a wall and subjected children to painful physical assaults and derogatory verbal abuse. During the same period, Steven Robertson preyed on young girls, forcing them to perform sex acts on him and each other, and carried out repeated rapes throughout the late 1980s and 1990s.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Steven Robertson, aided by his late father Alan, forced children to touch the private parts of others and perform sex acts on themselves. The High Court in Edinburgh heard evidence described as too shocking to report, with the jury taking a week to process the harrowing testimony from the survivors. The investigation established that Steven Robertson used force and coercion to silence his victims, while his mother utilized her position as a foster carer to facilitate an environment of fear.
Judge John Morris KC noted that although Jennifer Robertson was granted bail due to her age and lack of previous convictions, this does not pre-determine her final sentence. For his actions in Perthshire, Steven Robertson was immediately remanded in custody. The judge noted that Steven’s status had changed upon conviction, and he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register ahead of the final sentencing hearing.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in Scotland, the status of the Robertsons is as follows:
- Steven Robertson: Remanded in custody; Sentencing scheduled for April 17, 2026.
- Jennifer Robertson: Granted bail; Sentencing scheduled for April 17, 2026.
- Sex Offenders Register: Steven Robertson is registered for life following his conviction.
- Judicial Oversight: Convicted at the High Court in Edinburgh following a Police Scotland investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape; Sexual assault; Multiple counts of physical child abuse.
- Origin: Perthshire, Scotland.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The Robertsons will be managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny in Scotland. Due to the nature of their conduct in Perthshire, which involved the extreme betrayal of trust within the foster care system, their management is a maximum priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that the lengthy police investigation successfully gathered enough evidence from multiple complainers to ensure that these historical crimes resulted in contemporary justice.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Steven Robertson must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence once his custodial term is determined. Authorities state that the “vile” history of the family in Perthshire necessitates permanent vigilance to ensure no further vulnerable individuals are put at risk. Any future attempt by either individual to engage in care-related activities or fail to adhere to their post-sentencing conditions will result in immediate legal action.
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