West Lothian art teacher faces sex allegations from pupils

Sep 10 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A WEST Lothian art teacher has been suspended from work after he was charged with alleged sex offences against two 15-year-old pupils.

Christopher Cunningham from Edinburgh, has been accused of having sex with the girls from the West Lothian school where he works.

The 57 year old is also facing a second sex offence charge involving indecent images of the teenagers.

Cunningham, who has been a teacher for more than 20 years, was arrested by police investigating allegations of improper conduct against him.

West Lothian Council officials confirmed that the father-of-two had been suspended from his job at the school, which cannot be named for legal reasons, while the police inquiry continued.

Cunningham initially appeared in private at Linlithgow Sheriff court last week where he was remanded in custody after making no plea or declaration.

His solicitor, Peter Mullin, successfully appealed against the decision and he has been freed on bail to await his next court appearance.

Cunningham was charged under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 with an “abuse of a position of trust” by having sexual intercourse with two pupils under-18 while teaching at their school.

A West Lothian Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that a member of staff has been suspended pending a police investigation, but it is not appropriate to comment any further at this stage.”

A police spokesman said: “A 57-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged offences of a sexual nature.”