FIFE MUSIC TEACHER KEITH DEARY SENT TO JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF 14-YEAR-OLD STUDENT IN ST ANDREWS
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Fife, Keith Deary, a music instructor based in the region, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a young male pupil over two decades ago.The incidents, which occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, have only come to light years later, leading to a criminal trial at Dundee Sheriff Court.
Deary, who was responsible for teaching music to groups of children at a public hall located in north-east Fife, targeted the same 14-year-old boy on two separate occasions following their lessons.
The court heard that these assaults took place at the Boys Brigade Hall situated on Langlands Road in St Andrews, as well as at a nearby residence.
The first assault involved the young boy, whose identity remains protected by legal restrictions, using a cupboard as a makeshift changing room.
During this time, the boy had placed a kilt over his trousers, and Deary instructed him to remove his trousers while he was trying on the kilt.
It was during this interaction that Deary inappropriately touched the boy’s private parts over his underwear.
Further into the investigation, it was revealed that Deary lured the boy to stay behind after lessons, ostensibly to give him a lift home.
However, during the drive, Deary claimed he needed to stop at his aunt’s house nearby.
Once they arrived, the boy sat in the living room while Deary sat beside him.
It was at this point that Deary touched the boy’s leg and thigh over his clothing.
The situation escalated when Deary placed his hands into the boy’s underwear and attempted to carry out a sexual act, constituting a serious breach of trust and a grave criminal offense.
The victim did not disclose these incidents until 2014, when he reported a separate allegation against Deary.
The lengthy delay in reporting underscores the trauma and fear often associated with such abuse cases.
Keith Deary, aged 46 and residing on Main Street in Guardbridge, Fife, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault on a summary complaint.
His plea was accepted by the Crown, and he denied three additional charges, which were subsequently withdrawn.
In sentencing, Sheriff Simon Collins QC sentenced Deary to 163 days in jail and ordered him to be registered as a sex offender for a period of seven years.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect the community from individuals who abuse positions of trust.
The case has left a lasting impact on the victim and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and young people from exploitation and abuse in all settings.
