Accused teacher made alleged victim ‘feel special’, sex abuse trial hears

A MATHS teacher has gone on trial accused of a string of charges, including raping a former pupil and sexually assaulting another.

His first alleged victim claimed Ronald Burton, 60, called him “the son he never had”. He said Burton tutored him at lunch times, as well as outside of school.

The High Court in Glasgow heard Mr Burton spoke to him about sexual matters and asked him to compare penis sizes with him.

It was also alleged Mr Burton took the boy to the gym where they both showered in a communal area and he massaged the boy in his bedroom. The alleged victim gave evidence at Mr Burton’s trial where he is accused of using lewd and libidinous practices and behaviour towards the man, who cannot be identified, between August 1994 and November 1996 at a number of places in Lanarkshire, including a school.

He also faces charges of rape, sexual assault and supplying cannabis to another male, between August 2013 and April 2014. The court heard Mr Burton taught the witness.

Advocate depute Paul Kearney, prosecuting asked: “How did you like the lessons?”

The witness replied: “He . . . made me feel special. He used to hold me back and tell me how well I could do and I had to apply myself.”

Burton denies the charges. The trial continues.