The Robert Taylor Encounter

On November 9, 1979, 61-year-old forestry worker Robert Taylor encountered a UFO in Dechmont Woods near Livingston, Scotland. He was attacked by spherical devices that emerged from the craft, losing consciousness and sustaining physical injuries. Lothian and Borders Police investigated the incident as a criminal assault—the only UFO case in British history treated this way.

The Witness

Robert Taylor was:

• A 61-year-old forestry worker
• Employed by the Livingston Development Corporation
• Had an impeccable reputation
• No history of mental health issues or unusual claims

The Encounter

At approximately 10:30 AM:

• Taylor was walking through Dechmont Woods
• He entered a clearing
• A large, spherical object was hovering
• It appeared to be about 20 feet in diameter

The Object

Taylor described:

• A dark grey, metallic sphere
• A rim running around its equator
• Stems or protrusions on the surface
• Silent hovering just above the ground

The Attack

As Taylor approached:

• Two smaller spheres dropped from the main craft
• About 3 feet in diameter with short spikes
• They rolled toward him
• Attached to his trousers at the hips
• He smelled choking fumes
• He was pulled toward the craft
• He lost consciousness

Aftermath

Taylor awoke approximately 20 minutes later:

• The object was gone
• His trousers were torn at the hips
• He had grazes on his chin and thighs
• He couldn’t speak for several hours
• He had difficulty walking

Police Investigation

This became unique in British history:

• Police treated it as a criminal assault
• The site was examined
• Evidence was collected
• An official file was opened

Physical Evidence

At the scene, police found:

• Ladder-like tracks in the ground
• Circular holes (matching the spheres’ spikes)
• Compressed vegetation
• Taylor’s torn trousers as evidence

Medical Examination

Doctors found:

• Grazes consistent with his account
• Signs of having been dragged
• Genuine psychological distress
• No explanation for his injuries

Character Assessment

Everyone confirmed Taylor’s reliability:

• His employer vouched for him
• Police found him completely credible
• There was no apparent motive for fabrication
• His story never changed

No Explanation

Investigators found:

• No conventional explanation
• No reason to doubt Taylor
• Physical evidence consistent with his account
• The case remains officially unsolved

Legacy

Robert Taylor maintained his account until his death in 2007. A plaque at the site commemorates the incident—one of the few UFO encounter locations with official recognition. The case demonstrates that UFO encounters can involve physical assault and leave measurable evidence.

Significance

The Dechmont Woods case is significant for:

• Police investigation as criminal assault
• Physical evidence corroborating the account
• Highly credible witness
• Medical documentation
• Ground traces matching described objects
• Unique legal treatment in British history