Teacher who sexually abused 12 pupils jailed for four years

A teacher who sexually abused 12 pupils at a school in Paisley has been jailed for four years.

Martin Gallacher, 46, groomed and abused vulnerable boys over an 11-year period.

He targeted them in his classes and at lunch, as well as badminton and football clubs he ran within the school.

Gallacher claimed he had touched boys innocently through his roles as a teacher, club organiser or sports coach, but was found guilty after a trial at Paisley Sheriff Court last month.

When he returned to the court to be sentenced, Sheriff Eoin McGinty said he had committed "a profound breach of that trust".

The sheriff added: "This was serious sexual offending committed on your pupils.

"As with any teacher, you were occupying a heightened position of trust and responsibility.

"Pupils are entitled to have trust in their teachers as people who will safeguard their welfare.

"Parents entrust teachers with the care and responsibility of their children."

Gallacher's trial had heard he targeted victims in lessons or when they were alone.

He also contacted some on messaging and gaming platforms, and handed out gifts and money.

The court heard he rubbed children on the body and touched them inappropriately.

One of his victims told the school what had happened to him in 2024 but an internal investigation was dropped due to "insufficient evidence".

It later emerged Renfrewshire Council did not inform authorities about the original complaint and Gallacher was allowed to remain teaching.

Following his arrest and conviction, the council said it was now commissioning an independent learning review into the case.