JAMES SKELTON FROM SMITH CAUGHT IN SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES AT DUNDEE SCHOOL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Dundee community, James Skelton, a former art teacher from Smith, was involved in a series of disturbing sexual misconduct incidents involving a pupil over a span of two years. The incidents, which took place at a secondary school in Dundee, have brought to light a pattern of inappropriate behavior that has now resulted in legal action and significant repercussions for the offender.

In November 2020, Skelton appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court to admit to multiple counts of sexual assault against a young girl aged between 14 and 17. The court heard that between August 1, 2013, and June 30, 2015, Skelton, who was employed as a part-time expressive arts teacher at the school, engaged in repeated acts of sexual misconduct. These acts included touching the girl on her body and, on one occasion, striking her on the buttocks with a ruler. The court was informed that Skelton’s actions were not isolated but part of a disturbing pattern of abuse over the two-year period.

Despite the gravity of his admissions, Skelton, aged 58, was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, Sheriff Alastair Carmichael imposed a community payback order for three years, which includes supervision and participation in the Moving Forward Making Changes programme. Additionally, Skelton was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of three years. The court acknowledged that Skelton was a first-time offender in this case, but it was also noted that he had previously been jailed last year for similar offenses spanning several years, which involved other pupils at the same school.

During the proceedings, Skelton’s solicitor, Scott Norrie, explained that his client had no prior convictions before the recent case. He stated, “While he has no previous offences, he was convicted after trial at the end of last year. An eight-month sentence was imposed and he was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. That case was perhaps at a more serious level and also involved pupils at the school. Sometime after his release, another pupil came forward and this case first called in July this year.”

Skelton, who was not present in court during the sentencing, was described as “abhorrent” when he was previously convicted of a series of indecent and sexual assaults against female pupils over an 11-year period from 2008 to 2019. Court reports detailed how Skelton would often drop his pencil to crawl under desks during lessons, a tactic used to carry out his inappropriate acts. Sheriff John Rafferty emphasized that these assaults occurred while Skelton was in a position of authority and trust, targeting vulnerable pupils.

The court heard that Skelton had befriended a pupil, contacted her via social media, and even gave her gifts before committing indecent acts. On her final day at school, he followed her into the street and kissed her in a sexual manner, then groped her breast when she returned to hand him work in an empty classroom. Sheriff Rafferty condemned Skelton’s lack of remorse and understanding of the harm caused, highlighting that his actions were driven by a desire to escape detection and punishment. The sheriff also noted that one of the victims had mental health issues, adding to the severity of the case.

Overall, the court’s proceedings have shed light on a disturbing pattern of abuse by James Skelton, whose actions have left a lasting impact on his victims and the community of Dundee. The legal measures imposed aim to prevent further offenses and ensure that justice is served for those affected by his misconduct.