School worker groomed girls via internet

37-year-old guilty of string of sex offences

A Highland school support worker was convicted yesterday of grooming young girls on the internet.

William Duffus denied eight charges involving youngsters during his sixday trial at Tain Sheriff Court – but Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist found him guilty of seven of the offences.

His six victims were aged between 11-16 when the offences were committed at various places in the Highlands between November 2011 and April this year.

The 37-year-old had also denied repeatedly referring to pupils with learning needs or disabilities by derogatory names and the sheriff found this charge not proven.

The offences which he was convicted of included lying on a bed with a girl andputting hisarmaround her, making sexual comments to a girl online, telling the youngsters they were pretty and that he loved them, hugging them and contacting a girl then arranging to meet her.

Some of the crimes were committed while Duffus, of 50 Mansfield Estate, Tain, Easter Ross, was in a position of trust at a Highland school and as an Army Cadet leader.

“The fiscal used the word ‘cultivation’ to describe your conduct”

Sheriff Gilchrist, who described Duffus’ behaviour as a “gross breach of trust”, deferred sentence until October 8 for a background report.

Referring to the internetrelated offences, the sheriff said: “The fiscal used the word ‘cultivation’ to describe your conduct; others might call it grooming.”

He added that he had found the charge relating to the use of derogatory names not proven because he was not satisfied it was likely to cause fear or alarm.

Duringthe trial, the sheriff heard evidence from 30 witnesses, including Duffus, who admitted chatting to the girls online, but insisted he did not behave inappropriately.

A Highland Council spokeswoman last night refused to comment on whether Duffus would now be sacked from his post as a school support worker.

She said: “The council does not comment on personnel matters.”

DENIALS: William Duffus from Tain insisted his motives were innocent