KENNETH O’BRIEN FROM BLANTYRE SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN STIRLING

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Kenneth O’Brien, a 29-year-old teacher from Blantyre, has been found guilty of engaging in inappropriate and sexual behavior towards a 15-year-old student at a high school in Stirling. The incident, which took place in May 2022, involved a series of troubling interactions that have now led to legal consequences for O’Brien.

According to court reports, the victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was in the school’s gym hall when O’Brien approached her with a request to visit his classroom to complete a math test she had apparently missed. Once inside the classroom, which was empty at the time, O’Brien made inappropriate advances. He told her he would add her on Snapchat “if he was feeling good,” and proceeded to mark her test, congratulating her with a casual “congratulations, you’ve passed.” During this encounter, he also slapped her on the buttocks over her clothing, an act that caused the girl to feel distressed.

Following this incident, the girl went to the toilets and was visibly upset, breaking down emotionally. Despite her distress, she later discovered that O’Brien had added her as a friend on Snapchat. Prosecutors revealed that O’Brien pressured her to change his name on the social media platform “for the sake of his career,” and inquired whether she would give him a “leaving present,” as he was preparing to transfer to another school.

In response to his manipulative behavior, the girl sent O’Brien five photographs of herself wearing only underwear. His reply was a comment, “You’re the full package, aren’t you?” Further disturbing evidence was presented in the form of selfies taken by O’Brien in school toilets, where he was seen with his hands down his trousers, and a video showing him lowering a towel down his body without fully exposing himself. O’Brien claimed this was “his turn to tease.”

The following day, O’Brien continued to contact the girl, messaging her that he was off periods three and five, and asking her to inform him where they could meet. The girl confided in a close friend about the messages, and her friend insisted they contact her mother and a staff member at the school for help.

O’Brien was eventually arrested at his home in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, approximately two weeks after the initial incident. He subsequently pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a person under 18 while in a position of trust, a charge under the 2009 Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act.

During the court proceedings, his solicitor, Gordon Martin, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “His career is at an end.” Sheriff Keith O’Mahony, after considering the case, decided to impose a non-custodial sentence, placing O’Brien under social work supervision for two years. Additionally, he was subjected to a restriction of liberty order, which required him to wear an electronic ankle tag and remain confined to his house between 6 pm and 6 am for eight months. O’Brien was also ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

At the conclusion of the hearing, O’Brien left the court building dressed in a hooded parka, wearing a Covid mask and dark glasses, refusing to comment when approached by reporters. The case has left many in the community questioning the safety and oversight of staff at local schools, and highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable students from exploitation.