‘Vulnerable’ teen abused by learning assistant

A SCHOOL worker who sexually assaulted a special needs pupil is facing a “significant” jail term, a judge has warned.

Andrew Bradshaw, 54, was a learning assistant at a school in Edinburgh where the youth, 15, received help because of his poor intellectual development.

During the summer holidays, Bradshaw collected the youth to take him to visit a friend. However, they went to his home in Morrison Avenue, Tranent, East Lothian, where Bradshaw abused him.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Bradshaw was “racked with guilt” and had taken an overdose before a scheduled court hearing last month.

Bradshaw, a first offender, admitted a charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009on 29 July. A City of Edinburgh Council spokesman said Bradshaw had been suspended as soon as the allegations were made.

The court heard he was single and lived alone, and had been a learning assistant for 15 years.

The advocate-depute, Alison Di Rollosaid:“The accused prepared lunch before making [the victim] view a recording of a Channel 4 sex education programme. While watching this, the accused pulled down his own trousers and pants. The youth was shocked.”

Lord Pentland remanded Bradshaw in custody pending sentencing next month.