A former drama teacher who grossly abused his position of trust by sexually abusing three female pupils has been jailed.
Craig Smith previously pleaded guilty to three charges at Glasgow Sheriff Court on 21 March 2025.
The 43-year-old admitted abusing the girls by intentionally engaging in sexual activity with two victims and sending messages of a sexual nature to a third child.
The offences took place between 2015 and 2018 while Smith was employed at a high school in South Lanarkshire.
Smith began messaging the first victim on Facebook as he was apparently concerned for her welfare as she suffered from panic attacks.
The messages soon became inappropriate with explicit content shared. Smith then engaged in sexual contact with the abused child at the school.
Smith messaged the second victim on social media before sexually abusing her on school grounds.
An investigation was launched in 2018 after the accused sent a 14-year-old pupil a sexualised message on Facebook.
A fellow teacher became aware of the incident and reported it to the head teacher with police then contacted.
On 8 April 2025, at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Smith was jailed for two years and three months.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register.
Fraser Gibson, Procurator Fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said:
“Craig Smith is a predatory individual who used his position of trust to target vulnerable young girls.
“These children should have been safe under his care but were instead subjected to appalling sexual abuse.
“This prosecution was made possible thanks to the victims reporting their experiences, ensuring Smith has been held accountable for his actions while protecting others from harm.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced similar offending to come forward and report it.
“You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”
Police Scotland Detective Sergeant Ruth Whyte added: “We would like to thank the victims of Craig Smith for coming forward and hope that this sentencing allows them to move forward with their lives.
“Smith used his position to take advantage of teenage girls and will now face the outcome of these deplorable actions and as well as being on the sex offenders register.
“I would urge anyone who is the victim of sexual abuse to come forward and speak to us, regardless of the passage of time. All reports are thoroughly investigated, and we have specially trained officers and partner agencies to provide support.
“Please call us on 101 or you can report a crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”