Teacher charged over alleged sex with pupil

A TEACHER has been charged with having sex with a teenage pupil.

Tommy Docherty, 51, is accused of abusing his position of trust by starting a relationship with the girl when she turned 16.

The religious and moral education teacher, who worked at Newbattle Community High School in Dalkeith, Midlothian, is now in an administration post at Midlothian Council where he has no contact with children.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "A 51-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with historical sexual offences that occurred in the Midlothian area.

"A report will be sent to the procurator-fiscal."

The alleged offences happened about five years ago.

A Midlothian Council spokesman said: "As soon as we were made aware of these allegations, we launched an investigation and followed procedures which both protect pupils and employees during such investigations."