Ex-teacher jailed over sex abuse of young boys

A FORMER primary school teacher has been jailed after being convicted of historic sexual offences against children.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard how Stephen Tait abused six boys at a school in Shetland.

He was found guilty by a jury of six charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour.

Sentencing Tait yesterday to 30 months in prison, Sheriff Ian Wallace said the 41-year-old had abused his position of trust.

He added: ‘This was ongoing, planned behaviour of sexual offending against children – children in your care.’

During Tait’s trial, fiscal depute

‘Boys were aged eight and nine’

Ruaridh McAllister said: ‘The boys were aged eight and nine and they did not fully feel the magnitude of what had taken place until they were adults.

‘It took the spark of one boy going to the police in 2020.’

All six victims gave evidence, with Tait found guilty of touching them sexually and forcing some to remove their clothes while they stood at his desk.

The court heard how Tait, now of Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, was found guilty in 2012 of sexually assaulting a boy while in 2013 he was caught wih indecent images of children.

The offences in Shetland pre-dated those convictions.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Still said: ‘I commend the victims for coming forward.’