KEVIN O’GORMAN FROM MILNGAVIE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON STUDENTS AT HERIOT-WATT AND STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITIES

In August 2019, a significant case involving allegations of sexual misconduct against a university professor came to light, culminating in a conviction that has sent shockwaves through academic circles. Kevin O’Gorman, aged 45 and residing in Milngavie, East Dunbartonshire, was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault committed against young male students during his tenure at both Strathclyde University and Heriot-Watt University, spanning the years 2006 to 2014.

The proceedings took place at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where the court heard harrowing testimonies from several victims who described how O’Gorman exploited his academic authority to prey on vulnerable students seeking to advance their educational careers. The court was told that O’Gorman, who was at the time the Director of Heriot-Watt University’s School of Management and Languages, used his position to manipulate and abuse students under the guise of academic mentorship.

One of the victims recounted an incident where O’Gorman visited his flat and ordered him to remove his trousers and lie on a bed, during which he was whipped at least ten times. The victim described the experience as physically exhausting, noting that O’Gorman appeared “out of breath and red faced” after the assault. Another complainant detailed a disturbing Skype call in which he was instructed to stand in a corner and beat himself on the bottom with a wooden spoon, an act he described as humiliating and traumatic.

O’Gorman, who denied all 19 charges brought against him involving 11 young men, faced a rigorous court process. On Wednesday, Sheriff Alistair Noble acquitted him of three allegations but found him guilty on the remaining charges. The sheriff expressed confidence in the credibility of the victims’ testimonies, stating, “I have no problem concluding that the complainers who gave evidence against you were truthful and credible.” He further dismissed O’Gorman’s claim that the encounters were consensual, noting significant discrepancies between the defendant’s account and those of the victims.

Throughout the trial, O’Gorman maintained that he did not commit any abuse. He attempted to justify his actions by claiming that when he ordered a student to stand in the corner, he was employing a “mindfulness technique” inspired by Adam Smith, the renowned 18th-century economist. However, the prosecution dismissed this explanation as implausible. Deputy Procurator Fiscal Nicole Lavelle described O’Gorman’s assertion as “incredible,” emphasizing that what he described as a mindfulness exercise was, in fact, a criminal act carried out for sexual gratification.

Following the conviction, Ms. Lavelle highlighted that O’Gorman was a first-time offender. His defense lawyer, Niall McCluskey, requested that the court delay sentencing to allow for reports on his client’s character and background, a standard procedure in such cases. Sheriff Noble agreed and deferred the sentencing hearing to a later date, specifically set for 18 September.

For legal reasons, the identities of the young men involved in the case remain confidential, and no further details about their identities have been disclosed. The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the abuse of power within academic institutions, prompting calls for stricter oversight and protective measures for students in higher education environments.