HIGHLAND TEACHER CHARGED WITH SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A PUPIL
A Highland teacher has been charged with sexual offences against a pupil.David Vincent (57) appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court with charges alleging that he engaged in sexual activity with a pupil under the age of 18.
The Charleston Academy physics teacher, of Meikle Mee, Fortrose, is alleged to have held hands with the pupil, embraced and kissed her.
Claims also include that he told the pupil he loved her, took her for dinner, gave her a Valentine’s Day card and necklace, and invited her to his home.
It further alleges that he drove her in his car, telephoned her, exchanged text messages of an intimate and sexual nature, instructed her to delete messages, and met with her outside of school.
Vincent has also been charged with engaging in a course of conduct which caused the same person extreme fear or alarm.
This includes discussing engaging in sexual intercourse with her, discussing contraception, uttering threats of suicide, touching her body, embracing, and kissing her.
It is also claimed that Vincent commented and complimented her on her appearance, told her he loved her, drove her in his car, telephoned her, exchanged sexual and intimate text messages, and instructed her to delete messages.
Vincent made no plea and the case is due to call again in August.
A Highland Council spokesperson stated: “As this matter is subject to legal proceedings we cannot comment.” Update - 21/11/2025 A former secondary school teacher from Inverness has been given unpaid work and placed on the sex offenders register after admitting to inappropriate conduct with a pupil he taught at Charleston Academy.
David Vincent, 57, accepted responsibility for forming an improper relationship with the teenager while he was in a professional position of trust.
Behaviour Escalated After Pupil Turned 16 The court heard that Vincent’s behaviour changed after the pupil reached 16.
He began giving her unnecessary attention, sending personal messages and offering compliments that went beyond what would be expected from a teacher.
This developed into communication that was unsuitable for a teacher-student relationship, including meeting her outside school and giving her small gifts.
On one occasion the two were seen together in public, which led to concerns being raised within the school community.
The matter was then reported to social work services.
Although the girl initially denied any wrongdoing, she later disclosed to police—after speaking to friends and family—that she felt his conduct had crossed professional boundaries.
Police Investigation and Admission Vincent was arrested in December last year.
When spoken to by officers, he acknowledged the identity of the pupil involved and made admissions relating to the behaviour contained within the charge.
Prosecutors stated that he had used his role to build an inappropriate connection with a young person who should have been under his care and protection.
Defence Submissions Vincent’s representative told the court that his client was deeply remorseful, had no previous criminal history, and was experiencing personal difficulties during the period in question.
It was submitted that he posed a low risk of reoffending.
Sentence Sheriff Iain Duguid noted that the conduct had taken place over a prolonged period but decided that imprisonment was not necessary given Vincent’s age, lack of previous convictions and the nature of the admitted charge.
Instead, Vincent was given: • 18 months of supervision, • 120 hours of unpaid work, • 18 months on the sex offenders register, • A non-harassment order, indefinitely preventing any contact with the victim.
