RE teacher admits affair with pupil

A RELIGIOUS education teacher carried on an affair with a teenage pupil, even though his wife was on the same school trip.

Another member of staff from the Midlothian school was worried that the girl was following Thomas Docherty, 51, "like a love-sick puppy" but did not guess what was happening, a sheriff was told yesterday.

Fiscal Melanie Ward, prosecuting, said Docherty of High Street, Innerleithen, taught religion, morals and philosophy at Newbattle High School but quit when the two-year affair was exposed.

The girl, now 21, was only 16 when Docherty first began to pay attention to her.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday, Docherty pleaded guilty to two charges brought under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000.

He admitted engaging in sexual activity and having intercourse with the girl while she was between 16 and 18 years old and he was in a position of trust.

The girl was described in court as "vulnerable" and "naive", seeking a father-figure.

Docherty faces sentencing next month once background reports have been prepared.