STEPHEN TAIT, FORMER SHETLAND TEACHER, CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PETERHEAD
| Red Rose Database
Lancashire Shetland Emotional/Psychological Child Abuser Sexual Abuser Child Sexual Abuser
A former primary school teacher from Shetland has been instructed to expect a prison sentence after being found guilty of historic sexual offenses involving six of his pupils.
A jury in Peterhead quickly reached a verdict in just 30 minutes, convicting Stephen Tait on all six counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior towards six boys.
Tait, who was employed as a probationary teacher over a decade ago at a school in Shetland, faced these charges in connection with offenses that occurred during his time in the role.
Following the conviction, it was disclosed that in 2012, Tait was convicted of sexually assaulting two boys while working as a teacher in Fife. Additionally, in 2013, he was convicted at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court after authorities discovered 57 indecent images of children on his computer.
The court was informed that the abuses in Shetland occurred before those other convictions.
Fiscal depute Ruaridh McAllister urged the jury to convict Tait, emphasizing that he exploited his position of authority to manipulate and infiltrate the lives of his pupils. Mr. McAllister stated, “He sexually abused these boys. It took place when they were aged eight and nine, and they only fully understood the magnitude as adults.
“He wants you to believe they were all lying, but the only person being untruthful is Stephen Tait.
“The first disclosure came when one boy came forward in 2020 and reported it to the police. At the time, they thought Tait’s behavior was just a bit weird, but now, as adults, they realize it was abuse.
“He gained their trust by being the ‘cool, fun’ new teacher, but beneath that was a far more sinister intent.
“He manipulated these boys, who trusted him, and there’s no logical reason for their claims to be false. They are recounting their truths, seen through the lens of growth and understanding.
“All six victims, whose names cannot be released, gave evidence either in person, via pre-recorded videos, or remotely from Lerwick.
“The jury, comprising four women and eleven men, unanimously found Tait guilty on all charges.”
Tait’s defense solicitor, Colin Nielson, stated that Tait had not re-offended to his knowledge.
Sheriff Ian Wallace postponed the sentencing to await reports, commenting, “The evidence was overwhelming, and this is a very serious sexual offense committed against children in your care as their teacher.
“This is the second conviction for such an offense. Given the severity of charge six and your previous conviction, I will be considering a custodial sentence in this case.”
The court heard that Tait forcibly engaged in sexual touching with the six boys, with some being made to remove their clothing. One was molested on the private parts, and several others described being stroked or caressed on the bottom while standing at his desk.
Tait also purchased swimming trunks, forcing one child to put them on in a classroom cupboard, and made the boys discuss personal bodily details.
He, whose address was listed as St Albans Road, Lytham St Annes, is scheduled to return to Aberdeen Sheriff Court on April 15th for sentencing. His name will be added to the sex offenders register.
A jury in Peterhead quickly reached a verdict in just 30 minutes, convicting Stephen Tait on all six counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior towards six boys.
Tait, who was employed as a probationary teacher over a decade ago at a school in Shetland, faced these charges in connection with offenses that occurred during his time in the role.
Following the conviction, it was disclosed that in 2012, Tait was convicted of sexually assaulting two boys while working as a teacher in Fife. Additionally, in 2013, he was convicted at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court after authorities discovered 57 indecent images of children on his computer.
The court was informed that the abuses in Shetland occurred before those other convictions.
Fiscal depute Ruaridh McAllister urged the jury to convict Tait, emphasizing that he exploited his position of authority to manipulate and infiltrate the lives of his pupils. Mr. McAllister stated, “He sexually abused these boys. It took place when they were aged eight and nine, and they only fully understood the magnitude as adults.
“He wants you to believe they were all lying, but the only person being untruthful is Stephen Tait.
“The first disclosure came when one boy came forward in 2020 and reported it to the police. At the time, they thought Tait’s behavior was just a bit weird, but now, as adults, they realize it was abuse.
“He gained their trust by being the ‘cool, fun’ new teacher, but beneath that was a far more sinister intent.
“He manipulated these boys, who trusted him, and there’s no logical reason for their claims to be false. They are recounting their truths, seen through the lens of growth and understanding.
“All six victims, whose names cannot be released, gave evidence either in person, via pre-recorded videos, or remotely from Lerwick.
“The jury, comprising four women and eleven men, unanimously found Tait guilty on all charges.”
Tait’s defense solicitor, Colin Nielson, stated that Tait had not re-offended to his knowledge.
Sheriff Ian Wallace postponed the sentencing to await reports, commenting, “The evidence was overwhelming, and this is a very serious sexual offense committed against children in your care as their teacher.
“This is the second conviction for such an offense. Given the severity of charge six and your previous conviction, I will be considering a custodial sentence in this case.”
The court heard that Tait forcibly engaged in sexual touching with the six boys, with some being made to remove their clothing. One was molested on the private parts, and several others described being stroked or caressed on the bottom while standing at his desk.
Tait also purchased swimming trunks, forcing one child to put them on in a classroom cupboard, and made the boys discuss personal bodily details.
He, whose address was listed as St Albans Road, Lytham St Annes, is scheduled to return to Aberdeen Sheriff Court on April 15th for sentencing. His name will be added to the sex offenders register.