David Vincent

David Vincent, a 57-year-old former physics teacher from the Black Isle, was sentenced at Inverness Sheriff Court for inappropriate conduct towards a pupil at Charleston Academy. The case came to light following reports of his interactions with the young girl, which included physical contact and declarations of admiration.

According to court proceedings reported by the Inverness Courier on 23 November 2025, Vincent kissed the pupil and expressed a desire to be '35 years younger' to pursue a relationship with her. On Christmas Day, he told her she was beautiful, and the pair went on walks together during which they held hands. These actions were deemed to constitute a breach of professional boundaries and a sexual offence involving a child.

The court heard details of the grooming-like behaviour, highlighting the power imbalance between the teacher and the pupil. Vincent, who had been employed at the secondary school in Inverness, faced scrutiny over his conduct that occurred prior to his resignation or dismissal. Sheriff [Name not specified in article] imposed a community sentence, requiring Vincent to complete unpaid work as punishment.

• Key evidence included witness statements from the pupil and possibly school staff.
• The prosecution emphasised the emotional impact on the victim.
• Defence arguments were not detailed in the summary, but sentencing focused on rehabilitation over incarceration.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding in educational settings in the Highlands region of Scotland. The Inverness Courier's coverage drew from court records and provided context on similar incidents in the area. No further appeals were mentioned in the report.