The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Former religion teacher facing sex charge trial
Man pleads not guilty to conspiring to meet with 14-year-old
A high school religion teacher is to face trial accused of conspiracy to have sex with a teenage girl in a motorway motel room.
Iain Parkinson, 52, who previously taught religious affairs in the religious and moral education department at Kirkcaldy High School, is said to have conspired with others by online messaging and phone calls to meet and participate in sexual activity with a girl of 14 at the Travelodge motel, beside the M9.
It is alleged he then travelled to the Travelodge, at junction 5 of the motorway near Falkirk and attempted to meet with those with whom he had allegedly conspired, for the purpose of gaining access to the girl.
According to the charge, Parkinson took part in the alleged conspiracy between May 25 and May 31 last year at three locations – Kirkcaldy High School, the Travelodge and his own home in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.
He faces a statutory alternative charge of attempting by the same alleged means to engage in sexual activity with the child, contrary to Section 30 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.
Appearing in the dock at a preliminary hearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday, Parkinson pleaded not guilty.
Sheriff Craig Caldwell continued the case to a jury sitting at Falkirk commencing on June 5, after a further pre-trial review on May 23rd.
It is understood Parkinson resigned from his post at Kirkcaldy High and his name no longer appears on the school staff list, last updated in October 2016.
Jacqueline Price, acting head of education and children’s services at Fife Council, said: “We don’t discuss the individual circumstances of any current or former employees.
“Pupil safety is really important to us and we always take immediate action to protect young people as appropriate.”
Parkinson currently remains on the register of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, subject to temporary restrictions.
We always take immediate action to protect young people. FIFE COUNCIL