PHILIP BRUCE FROM DEWAR – LARBER TUTOR FACES JAIL OVER CHILD SEX CHAT SCANDAL IN FALKIRK

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Philip Bruce, a 35-year-old resident of Larbert, has been found guilty of engaging in highly inappropriate and illegal online communications involving children. The incident came to light in January 2018 when police uncovered chat logs on Bruce’s mobile phone that contained explicit and concerning messages about paedophilia.

Bruce, who is known for running the home tutoring company Tuition Scotland, was placed on the sex offenders’ register following his conviction. The court heard that he had boasted about having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl and discussed engaging in sexual activities with a 12-year-old. These revelations have raised serious questions about his conduct and the safety of children in his community.

The investigation was initiated after police executed a search at Bruce’s home in Dewar, near Larbert, on July 11 of the previous year. During the search, officers recovered his mobile phone, and forensic analysis of the device revealed a series of chat logs that were deeply troubling. The messages were exchanged via the instant messaging platform Kik Messenger, where Bruce was in contact with an individual using the alias “MrAwesome.”

In the chat, “MrAwesome” asked Bruce whether he intended to try anything with a five-year-old boy to whom Bruce had access. Bruce’s response was chilling: “Hmmm, time will tell.” This exchange was brought before Falkirk Sheriff Court, where Sheriff Derek Livingston presided over the case. The court was told that Bruce’s online contact had inquired, “Are you going to try anything with him?” to which Bruce replied, “Hmmm, time will tell.”

During the hearing, Sheriff Livingston condemned Bruce’s responses, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He stated, “’Time will tell’ is not in any way an acceptable answer when someone is asked if they’d have sex with a five-year-old child. He didn’t say ‘that’s horrendous, I’m totally insulted that you should ever think I’d do something like that,’ and shut the conversation down – he continued it. I think these comments are menacing to children.”

The court also heard that police had recovered Bruce’s phone during a raid on his home, and forensic software was used to extract the chat logs. Prosecutor Michael Maguire described the messages as “indeed grossly offensive” and “supportive of paedophilia,” adding that Bruce discussed the sexual abuse of children as if it were acceptable behavior. Sheriff Livingston clarified that Bruce’s comments were more about speaking approvingly of such acts rather than merely discussing them.

Throughout the trial, which took place over two separate afternoons, Bruce maintained his innocence, denying the charges. His solicitor, Mark Harrower, argued that Bruce had been “exchanging banter of a disturbing kind” while attempting to contact another adult male online for sexual purposes. Harrower also pointed out that Bruce’s life had already been significantly impacted by the case.

Sentencing was deferred until February 15, when the court will consider background reports and decide on the length of time Bruce will remain on the sex offenders’ register. Sheriff Livingston issued a stern warning, stating, “You should be aware that all options are open to the court.” The Crown indicated that it would also seek a Sexual Offences Prevention Order against Bruce.

Bruce is known for founding Tuition Scotland in 2011, a company that provides tutoring services to school children across Central Scotland. His actions have now cast a shadow over his reputation and raise serious concerns about safeguarding in the community.