WIRRAL MURDERER ROBERT LINTON KEPT EX-PARTNER IMPRISONED IN TERRIFYING ORDEAL
A man with a life sentence for murder, who was released on licence, subjected his former partner to a terrifying ordeal by tying her to a bed for seven hours after an incident involving a young female tourist.Liverpool Crown Court was told that the victim was lured back to her Birkenhead residence by a phone call from Linton, 45, who claimed his dog was unwell, knowing she would come home early.
Upon her return on December 19 last year, she discovered four dressing gown belts intentionally fastened to each side of her double bed, with at least one belonging to Linton.
He entered the room and explained a bizarre scheme to recover the £2,000 debt he owed her, stating he could not find work due to his criminal record and suggesting she fake an injury claim.
When detained, he told police he was upset about her browsing certain websites and had tied her up to access her mobile phone.
He later admitted his true aim was to obtain money from her.
Previously known as Robert Noble, Linton had been released from prison in July 2016 on life licence following his murder conviction, which stemmed from an incident involving a tourist from California.
While living homeless in London, he met Alyson Caplan, a 20-year-old woman stranded by snow, who he took to his hotel room.
The next morning, after he left, her naked body was discovered with scarves around her neck, suffocated by neck compression.
His former partner, a dementia carer, was terrified when he disclosed his plan to tie her up, trying to dissuade him.
Despite her pleas, he physically assaulted her and held her down on the bed, preventing her from leaving and tying her with belts for about half an hour.
She managed to persuade him to let her go after he allowed her bathroom access, but he refused to unlock the door.
She stayed hidden on the bed, fearful he might harm her again, until he finally fell asleep hours later.
Taking the opportunity, she fled and notified police early in the morning.
Officers located Linton hiding outside her address and arrested him.
During questioning, he admitted he was originally from Scotland, their relationship had ended around five weeks earlier, and he was concerned about her using dating websites.
He confirmed he brought two belts intending to tie her up and examine her phone but insisted he had no intention of harming her, acknowledging her fear.
Linton, of Craven Street, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment.
He was returned to prison under his life licence and sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with a two-year extended licence.
The judge characterized him as a dangerous offender, though he might be considered suitable for release in the future.
Recorder Mark Ford condemned his actions as likely to inflict severe psychological damage, dismissing his claim that he was only attempting to recover his debt as insincere.
The court noted that the plan was premeditated and the victim’s distress was evident from her pleas.
Her statement described severe anxiety, headaches, nausea, flashbacks, and fears of relocating.
Defense lawyer Neil Gunn highlighted Linton's prior murder conviction, stating he had spent hours chatting with the victim before discovering the belts and never intended to cause harm.
Gunn described him as being in a low mood, struggling with mental health issues, and feeling guilty about his debts.
He emphasized that Linton had sought mental health support and was trying to improve his life despite his legal woes.
