ANDREW KEIR FROM GORDONSTOUND AND TARPORLEY SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY BEHAVIOR INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD BOYS

In May 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Andrew Keir, a former teacher at the prestigious Gordonstoun School, who was convicted of a series of serious sexual offenses against young boys. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of manipulative and predatory behavior that exploited his position of trust and authority.

Andrew Keir, aged 67, was found guilty after a rigorous three-day trial held in March. The charges included multiple lewd and indecent acts committed against 13-year-old boys under his care at Gordonstoun, a school renowned for its distinguished alumni such as Heather Stanning, Duncan Jones, and members of the British royal family, including Prince Philip and Prince Charles. The court heard that Keir’s conduct was not impulsive but carefully planned and executed, fitting the description of a grooming operation designed to manipulate vulnerable young boys.

Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov described Keir’s actions as “a grooming situation,” emphasizing the predatory, premeditated, and manipulative nature of his conduct. The court detailed how Keir’s behavior involved exploiting his role as an assistant housemaster at the Moray-based boarding school, where he held significant authority over the students. The allegations included incidents where Keir swam and showered nude in the presence of the boys, actions that he claimed were not motivated by arousal but were part of his misconduct.

Despite the gravity of the offenses, Keir was sentenced to only one year in prison. Sheriff Pasportnikov expressed her disapproval of the sentence, stating that it was “woefully inadequate” and did not reflect the seriousness of his crimes. She explained that her hands were tied to some extent because Keir was charged under a summary procedure rather than an indictment, which limited the maximum penalty she could impose.

During sentencing, the sheriff noted that Keir had shown no remorse or contrition for his actions, further aggravating the case. She addressed him directly, underscoring the severity of his misconduct and the betrayal of trust involved. Keir, who now resides in Tarporley, Cheshire, was convicted of a heinous breach of moral and legal boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on his victims and the community that once trusted him as an educator.