Fife ex-teacher showed 'poor judgement' in sexting former pupils and is given community sentence

A former secondary school teacher who sent explicit videos to ex-pupils has been given a community sentence. Gilles Brown, a former history and modern studies teacher, was convicted after a trial of sending lewd videos to three young women. All three had followed him on social media after leaving school.

The 32-year-old, from Inchgarvie Park in South Queensferry, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court where he was sentenced by Sheriff Neil Kinnear. The sheriff noted Brown has already faced significant consequences for his actions, losing his teaching career, a subsequent job and his ability to compete internationally in martial arts.

Sheriff Kinnear acknowledged the seriousness of Brown's offences but deemed them “poor judgement” and a transgression of boundaries. He stated that while Brown had taught these young women and they perceived him as a good teacher, his actions were inappropriate and unacceptable.

"You did not take steps to confirm that (they were consenting) and you just assumed they were happy but it is clear from the evidence they were not and were upset by the entirely inappropriate conduct you engaged in," said Sheriff Kinnear.

The court heard that Brown had suffered personal issues at the time which may have clouded his judgment. He was sentenced to 240 hours of unpaid work, placed on offender supervision for a year with conduct requirements and put on the sex offenders register for one year.

Brown's defence lawyer, David Bell, stated that while his client does not agree with the verdict, he accepts it. Mr Bell highlighted Brown's remorse for his actions and acknowledged the significant punishment he has already faced, including the end of his career and ostracism from his sport.