Full Breakdown
Abuse Case of Jennifer and Steven Robertson: A Deep-Dive
4/17/2026, 8:12:41 PM
Overview of the Case
Jennifer Robertson, 79, a former foster mother, has received a community payback order for her role in the abuse of children in her care, while her son, Steven Robertson, 52, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for sexually assaulting and raping young girls. The sentencing occurred at the High Court in Edinburgh on April 17, 2023.
Details of the Abuse
Between 1980 and 1995, Jennifer Robertson subjected children as young as 10 months old to severe abuse at her home in Murthly, Perthshire. The abuse included physical assaults, derogatory name-calling, and forced feeding. Steven Robertson, alongside his deceased father, Alan Robertson, also committed sexual assaults against children under five during the same period. Both mother and son were convicted after initially pleading not guilty.
Sentencing Outcomes
Steven Robertson's sentence includes an additional three years of close monitoring and supervision, and he has been placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. In contrast, Jennifer Robertson's community payback order requires her to complete 250 hours of unpaid work within a year. Both individuals are subject to non-harassment orders, prohibiting them from contacting the victims.
Victim Statements and Legal Actions
Two victims, a brother and sister who have chosen to remain anonymous, have expressed their ongoing trauma from the abuse, stating, “The abuse in that home changed the course of our lives forever.” They reported that they were ignored when they attempted to disclose the abuse to social services at ages four and nine. The siblings are now pursuing legal action against Perth & Kinross Council, alleging failures in the social work system that allowed the abuse to continue unchecked.
Official Statements
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Jennifer Robertson had a clear duty to protect the young people in her care... Instead, she caused profound harm through sustained cruelty and abuse.” She acknowledged the lifelong consequences of the Robertsons' actions on the victims and reaffirmed the Crown's commitment to addressing allegations of child abuse, regardless of when they occurred.
Criticism of Social Services
The victims have criticized Perth & Kinross Council for their inaction, claiming that their reports of abuse were dismissed. They demand accountability from the council, stating, “We won’t rest until someone at the council admits they failed us.” This sentiment highlights a broader concern regarding the effectiveness of child protection services in preventing abuse.
Conclusion
The case of Jennifer and Steven Robertson underscores significant failures in the foster care system and raises critical questions about the accountability of social services. As the victims seek justice and healing, the implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, calling for systemic changes to protect vulnerable children in care.
