ROBERT HENDERSON, FORMER SHETLAND COUNCILLOR, SENTENCED IN GLASGOW FOR HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE
A 74-year-old former Shetland councillor and businessman, Robert Henderson, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for historic sexual abuse involving two girls and a woman, on the island of Yell between 1974 and 1993.Henderson, who served as an independent councillor in Shetland and stepped down at the last election, was convicted of abusing two women when they were children.
His first victim disclosed that the abuse began when she was 11 and continued until she was 16, while the second victim estimated that the abuse occurred six to eight times when she was between 12 and 14 years old.
Henderson was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman whom he had known since her youth; when she was aged between 29 and 31, he touched her breasts.
The rape charge against Henderson was found not proven by a majority verdict, but the jury found him guilty of other charges.
The court heard that Henderson maintains his innocence.
During the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, judge Lord Kinclaven addressed Henderson directly, stating: "Your victims said they felt sick, embarrassed, shocked and annoyed." He added that, although the most serious charge of rape was not proven, the remaining serious charges warranted a custodial sentence: "I’ve given it very careful consideration and I’m satisfied that there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.
The offences cover a significant period of time and the court requires to mark the seriousness of your offending." Henderson has been placed on the sex offenders register.
His defence counsel, David Moggach, highlighted Henderson's standing in the community, noting: "This has been for a man of his standing a quite spectacular fall from grace, especially in a small community where everyone knows each other." He also urged for a non-custodial sentence, describing Henderson as a first offender with a low risk of re-offending.
Moggach mentioned that Henderson, who is married and retired, was assessed as low risk and that one victim reported minimal ongoing psychological impact.
Henderson’s reputation was further reflected in the nine testimonials presented on his behalf.
As he was led away to serve his sentence, he showed no emotion.
Despite the conviction, Henderson continues to deny the allegations.
