David Vincent’s criminal behaviour took place over the course of 18 months after meeting the child at the high school where he worked.
The 57-year-old gave the teenager his personal phone number before repeatedly sending her intimate text messages, including compliments about her appearance.
Vincent also gave her a Valentine’s Day card and told her that he loved her.
The victim later reported the teacher to the police in November 2024 after realising she had been groomed by the accused.
On 2 October 2025, at Inverness Sheriff Court, Vincent pleaded guilty to a sexual abuse of trust charge.
Today (20 November 2025), he was given a Community Payback Order with 18 months supervision and a requirement to perform 120 hours of unpaid work.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register for 18 months.
A lifelong non-harassment order, preventing Vincent from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was granted.
Alison McKenzie, Procurator Fiscal for Grampian, Highland and Islands, said:
“David Vincent exploited a position of trust and an unbalanced power dynamic to systematically groom and abuse a vulnerable child.
“She should have been safe under his care but was sexually exploited over the course of several months.
“This prosecution was made possible thanks to the victim reporting her experience, ensuring that Vincent has now been held accountable.
“COPFS will continue to take action against people who harm women and children, while supporting those affected by this type of crime through the prosecution process.”