FORMER FIFE COLLEGE LECTURER’S DEFENCE OF SLEAZY MESSAGES TO STUDENT BRANDED ‘INSULT TO INTELLIGENCE’
Last known location - David Street, Lochgelly A presiding sheriff told Andrew Zelaya his sexual health advice explanation "beggars belief" and "insulted his intelligence." Zelaya, a former Fife College lecturer, is on the sex offenders register after brazenly attempting to pass off sleazy messages as sexual health guidance.He was convicted of indecent communication at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court for sending inappropriate messages to a student with whom he had developed a friendship, including asking if she orgasmed during sex.
Zelaya claimed he was just concerned about her sexual health, but the sheriff dismissed this as unbelievable.
Zelaya, 40, had started working at Fife College in March 2021, initially as a trainer assessor and later as a lecturer in social care and health.
He maintained communication with the victim after she had been withdrawn from college, claiming it was to help her understand healthy relationships and sexual health.
Court evidence showed social media messages where Zelaya made explicit comments and asked invasive questions.
When questioned by the sheriff, Zelaya admitted he lacked formal qualifications but worked with a now-defunct charity delivering sexual health information.
The sheriff found the victim credible and convicted Zelaya of indecent communication and threatening or abusive behaviour, placing him on the sex offenders register and deferring sentencing until October for a report.
The court also noted Zelaya denied any sexual gratification from his messages and any threats or visits afterward, although a letter of apology was presented.
Fife College confirmed Zelaya is no longer employed there, and the court's language reflected its strong disapproval of his actions.
Sentencing update 28/10/2025 Sheriff James Williamson ordered that Zelaya be placed on the sex offenders register and monitored by authorities for a period of 18 months.
During that time, any form of paid or voluntary employment must first be cleared by social services.
In addition, Zelaya was instructed to complete 150 hours of community service within the next 12 months.
