GEORGE BROUGH'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN EDINBURGH AND FALKIRK: TEACHER'S PAST ABUSE REVEALED

In a series of disturbing revelations, George Brough, a former teacher with deep ties to Edinburgh and Falkirk, has come under scrutiny for his past criminal actions involving the sexual abuse of young girls during his time as an educator. Brough, who is currently known to attend St Francis Xavier RC church in Falkirk, has a history that dates back to the late 20th century, with his offenses coming to light many years after they occurred.

Back in October 1996, Brough was at the center of a high-profile case when the Court of Criminal Appeal in Glasgow overturned his original sentence. Initially, he had been sentenced to three years' probation after admitting to indecency offenses involving two female pupils aged 14 and 15. The victims, who had confided in him during their school years at Holyrood High School in Edinburgh, later recognized their abuser after meeting 17 years later in a Leith café. Their realization led to renewed legal action against Brough, who had previously escaped a prison sentence, much to the outrage of the victims and the wider community.

During his teaching career at Holyrood High School until 1981, Brough was regarded as a respected figure within the Roman Catholic community in Edinburgh. Despite this facade, he engaged in heinous acts of sexual misconduct, including handling the girls' breasts and performing sex acts with them both at the school and in nearby locations such as Holyrood Park and the Braid Hills. Brough had warned the girls not to disclose what had happened, claiming that revealing the abuse would threaten his job and family stability.

The severity of his crimes was underscored when the Court of Criminal Appeal, with Lord Ross presiding, deemed his original sentence of probation to be unduly lenient. The judges ordered that Brough serve a full 12 months in jail, emphasizing the gravity of his conduct. The case drew significant attention, especially given Brough's standing as a pillar of the church in Edinburgh. His background included coaching the Scottish basketball team and being a father of eight children. After leaving teaching, he transitioned into a career as a taxi driver, a role he has since given up.

Despite his criminal past, Brough remains a figure of interest in Falkirk, where he is known to attend daily services at St Francis Xavier RC church. His current life appears to be marked by a desire for redemption, but the scars left on his victims continue to evoke strong emotions. One of the victims, during the court proceedings, expressed her anguish with a shouted question: “What about our 19 years of hell... you pillar of the church?” This outburst highlighted the ongoing pain and betrayal felt by those he abused.

Legal representatives for Brough argued that he had made efforts to reform and that his lifestyle had changed significantly since the offenses. Counsel Leeona Dorrian, QC, urged the court not to alter the sentence, emphasizing his attempts at rehabilitation. However, the judges maintained that in cases involving teachers and vulnerable minors, a custodial sentence was often unavoidable unless exceptional circumstances were present. Lord Ross concluded that the conduct was deplorable and that the original sentence was insufficient, reaffirming the seriousness of the crimes committed by George Brough in Edinburgh and Falkirk.