Teacher jailed four years for sexually abusing 12 pupils

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

A Paisley teacher has been jailed for four years after being found guilty of sexually abusing 12 pupils over an 11-year period.

Martin Gallacher, 46, has been jailed for four years at Paisley Sheriff Court after being found guilty of sexually abusing 12 pupils at Paisley Grammar School between 2013 and 2024. He groomed and abused vulnerable boys in computing class and when they were alone, as well as at badminton and football clubs he ran within the school. He also contacted some victims through messaging and gaming platforms and gave them gifts and money.

During the trial, victims gave evidence of how Gallacher rubbed their bodies and touched them inappropriately. Gallacher denied any wrongdoing and claimed he had touched boys innocently through his roles as teacher, club organiser and sports coach, but was found guilty by a jury.

One victim reported the abuse to the school in 2024, but Renfrewshire Council dropped its internal investigation due to insufficient evidence and did not inform authorities, allowing Gallacher to remain teaching. Sheriff Eoin McGinty said Gallacher had committed 'a profound breach of that trust', stating that pupils are entitled to trust their teachers and parents entrust teachers with the care and responsibility of their children. The sheriff commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward. Following his conviction, Renfrewshire Council said it was commissioning an independent learning review into the case.

How it is being reported

• Predatory teacher Martin Gallacher jailed for abusing 12 pupilsA predatory Paisley teacher has been jailed for his “deliberate and calculated” abuse on 12 young boys.Glasgow Times · 19 Oct, 13:11
• Teacher who sexually abused 12 pupils jailed for four yearsMartin Gallacher, 46, used clubs he ran to groom and abuse vulnerable boys over an 11-year period.BBC Glasgow And West · 19 Oct, 13:03

In this story: Martin Gallacher · Paisley Grammar School · Renfrewshire Council · Paisley Sheriff Court · Paisley

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