Pupils back sex case teacher

FORMER pupils of a teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a pupil have set up a Facebook campaign to back him.

Tommy Docherty, 51, who was head of religious and moral education at Newbattle Community High School, Dalkeith, has been charged with a sex offence against the girl when she was 15 and abusing his position by having a sexual relationship with her after she turned 16.

He has been removed from his job, but more than 90 former pupils have joined the Facebook page called "Mr Docherty – we'll support you evermore!"

Its organisers urge: "Show how much Mr Docherty is appreciated as the guy is a legend, a great teacher."