Matthew Birch

Matthew Birch, aged 46, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison following his conviction for serious sexual offences committed against female pupils while he worked as a music teacher. The offences took place over a 13-year period from 2005 to 2018 at high schools in North Lanarkshire and Fife, Scotland.

According to the investigation conducted by detectives from the Fife Non Recent Child Abuse Investigation Team, Birch exploited his position of trust to sexually assault the victims. He was arrested and charged after reports emerged detailing the abuse. On 3 December 2021, Birch was found guilty of nine sexual offences at the High Court in Glasgow. The sentencing occurred on 17 February 2022 at the same court.

Detective Constable Russell McDonald, who led the investigation, commented on the case: 'Birch used his position as a music teacher to gain the trust of his victims before sexually assaulting them.' He praised the bravery of the victims who testified, stating: 'The young women who agreed to testify against him have been incredibly brave from the time of being approached by the police, to having to give evidence in court. Without their support Birch would have not been found guilty.' McDonald expressed hope that the sentencing would aid the victims and their families in moving forward.

As a result of his conviction, Birch has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register. The case underscores the commitment of Police Scotland to investigating historical sexual abuse reports with professionalism and sensitivity, aiming to deliver justice for perpetrators regardless of when the offences occurred. This information is sourced from the official Police Scotland news release dated 17 February 2022.