ASHLEY TURNELL SHOCKS EDINBURGH AND MERCHISTON WITH SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL AT TOP MUSIC SCHOOL

In a disturbing case that has rocked the community of Edinburgh, particularly the Merchiston area, Ashley Turnell, a 36-year-old teacher, has been officially removed from the teaching register following his conviction for engaging in sexual activities with a male pupil. Turnell, who was employed at the prestigious St Mary’s Music School located in Grosvenor Crescent, was found guilty of abusing his position of trust by having a sexual relationship with a teenage student.

According to the disciplinary ruling issued by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), the relationship between Turnell and the minor was deemed a 'significant breach of trust' that resulted in 'actual harm to a child.' The council emphasized that such breaches are taken very seriously, especially when they involve the safety and well-being of young students. As a consequence of his actions, Turnell has been permanently removed from the teaching register, effectively ending his career in education.

Details of the case reveal that Turnell, who resides on Ardmillan Terrace in the Gorgie area, was convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last year for engaging in sexual acts with the boy between December 1, 2007, and April 1, 2008. The offences reportedly took place at Turnell’s flat and at an address in Merchiston, further implicating his proximity to the school and the local community.

St Mary’s Music School, which caters to approximately 70 pupils, issued a brief statement indicating that Turnell ceased working at the institution in March 2008. However, the school declined to provide further comments regarding the incident or its internal procedures.

The case was brought before the GTCS disciplinary sub-committee this week, which concluded that removing Turnell from the register was the only appropriate course of action given the gravity of his misconduct. The committee stated, “To consider any other option than removal would not have been appropriate in the circumstances of this case given the serious nature of the crime and that it constituted a significant breach of trust and actual harm to a child.” They also underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in the teaching profession by addressing such violations with strict measures.

In addition to his removal from the register, Turnell was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last December to a three-year probation period. He was also ordered to complete 160 hours of community service and was placed on the sex offenders’ register, marking a significant legal and professional consequence for his actions.

It is noteworthy that St Mary’s Music School has previously been embroiled in another scandal involving sexual misconduct. Earlier this year, a house master at the school was convicted of having sex with a female pupil and engaging in indecent behavior towards another. Ryan Deneven-Lewis, 27, from Headingley, Leeds, was responsible for supervising boarders and overseeing recreational activities at the school. His offences, committed between January 1 and June 30, 2006, led to his guilty plea at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in July. The school’s history of such incidents has raised concerns about safeguarding and the measures in place to protect its students.