DUMFRIES MUSIC TEACHER GORDON BROTHERSTON JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community near Dumfries, Gordon Brotherston, a 64-year-old music instructor, has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison after admitting to multiple sexual offences committed against three teenage girls over a span of nearly a decade. The offences, which involved two girls under the age of 16 and another who had just turned 16, were brought to light after a concerned mother reported her suspicions to the police, leading to an investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of misconduct.

Brotherston, who resides in Morrinton, a village close to Dumfries, was found guilty of five separate charges. These charges included sexual contact and unlawful sexual activity with the victims, with incidents dating back as far as 2008. The court heard that the abuse occurred both at his home on Watling Street and in a car, often during private lessons or meetings. The offences spanned a period of nearly ten years, highlighting a prolonged breach of trust and abuse of his position as a music teacher.

During the sentencing at Dumfries Sheriff Court, Sheriff Brian Mohan emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “You are clearly a talented musician capable of teaching others musical skills and were a trusted and respected member of the community, but this was a breach of trust involving three young girls.” The sheriff also ordered Brotherston to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the potential risk to the community.

Legal proceedings revealed that Brotherston had been engaged in inappropriate behaviour with the victims over a period of several years. The first two charges involved incidents at his residence and in a vehicle, occurring between September 2008 and 2010. These included sending sexually explicit messages, touching the girls unlawfully, and engaging in sexual activity. The third and fourth charges related to another girl, with incidents taking place from June 2009 to 2011, again at Watling Street and in a car, where he engaged in sexual acts with her.

Further allegations involved Brotherston exposing himself and engaging in sexual acts in front of the girl, with these incidents occurring in June of the previous year. The court was informed that the misconduct was uncovered after one of the girls’ mothers reported her concerns to the police, prompting an investigation that confirmed the allegations.

Throughout the proceedings, Brotherston’s solicitor, Gavin Orr, acknowledged his client’s wrongdoing, describing him as “remorseful” and recognizing that he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. The court was also told that at the time of his arrest, Brotherston was teaching at Austin Friars School in Carlisle, although none of the victims were pupils at that institution. His arrest and subsequent detention were part of the ongoing investigation into his conduct.

Sentencing was deferred until April 16, allowing for the preparation of background reports and the determination of the length of time Brotherston will remain on the sex offenders register. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising concerns about the safety of young people and the importance of safeguarding measures in educational and extracurricular settings near Dumfries.