The Robert Taylor Incident

On November 9, 1979, forestry worker Robert Taylor encountered a strange spherical object in a clearing near Livingston, Scotland. Smaller objects attacked him, leaving him unconscious. The police investigated it as a criminal assault, making it the only UFO encounter in UK history to be treated as a crime.

The Witness

Robert Taylor was:

• A forestry worker
• 61 years old
• Well-respected in the community
• Not interested in UFOs
• Considered extremely reliable

The Encounter

That morning:

• Taylor was checking forestry land
• Entered a clearing with his dog
• Discovered a large spherical object
• It was hovering above the ground
• Approximately 20 feet in diameter

The Object

Taylor described:

• A dark grey spherical craft
• Rough texture like sandpaper
• A rim around the middle
• Approximately 20 feet wide
• Totally silent

The Attack

Smaller objects emerged:

• Two spheres with protruding spikes
• About the size of footballs
• They rolled toward Taylor
• Attached to his trousers
• Began dragging him toward the craft

Physical Effects

Taylor experienced:

• A choking, acrid smell
• Loss of consciousness
• Woke up 20 minutes later
• Couldn’t speak properly
• Couldn’t walk initially

The Evidence

Police found:

• Ladder-pattern marks in the ground
• Corresponding to smaller spheres
• Tears in Taylor’s trousers
• His dog was highly agitated
• Taylor’s truck stuck in the mud

Police Investigation

Lothian and Borders Police:

• Treated it as criminal assault
• Forensic examination conducted
• Ground marks photographed
• Trousers taken as evidence
• Case officially remains open

Medical Examination

Doctors found:

• No sign of alcohol or drugs
• No psychiatric issues
• Grazing on Taylor’s legs
• He was in shock
• No explanation for his condition

Taylor’s Credibility

In his favor:

• No prior interest in UFOs
• Never sought publicity
• Refused money for his story
• Maintained account until death
• Consistent testimony

Investigation Results

Police concluded:

• Something happened to Taylor
• The evidence was real
• No conventional explanation
• Case classified as “unsolved”

Significance

The Taylor incident is significant for:

• Physical evidence collected
• Police investigation as crime
• Credible, reluctant witness
• Ground traces documented
• Only UK UFO treated as assault

Legacy

The Robert Taylor incident remains unique in UFO history as the only case investigated by police as a criminal assault. The physical evidence, combined with Taylor’s impeccable reputation, makes this one of the UK’s most compelling UFO cases.