Teacher who abused pupils faces jail

William Bain admitted five charges committed over a six-year period

A teacher has admitted charges of historical sexual abuse against five pupils at a Scottish private school.

William Bain, 62, abused the children at the Dunbartonshire school where he worked in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was caught when one victim contacted police after discovering Bain was still teaching in Perthshire.

Bain was "immediately suspended" by Glenalmond College when the historical accusations arose last year and subsequently retired.

He pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to five charges of using lewd and libidinous practices while employed as a teacher at the Dunbartonshire school between 1989 and 1995.

Bain, of Crieff, Perthshire had his bail continued pending sentencing next month.

'Profound effect'

The attacks were said to have occurred either in an empty classroom, a photography dark-room or at Bain's private flat at the school.

The court heard Bain left the school in 2000.

His first victim had discovered Bain remained employed as a teacher and contacted police.

An investigation resulted in the other four boys who were abused being traced.

Bain was later detained by police, but made no comment to the allegations.

An impact statement completed by one of the victims was handed to Judge Lady Scott.

Advocate depute Ross McFarlane said it appeared the abuse had had a "profound effect".

Lady Scott told Bain: "You have pled guilty to charges consisting of a very serious course of sexual abuse when you were in a position of trust."

A Glenalmond College spokesperson said: "Police Scotland made us aware of allegations of a child protection nature made against a former member of teaching staff.

"These allegations related to his previous employment and were not in connection with Glenalmond College.

"In line with school procedure, he was immediately suspended from school and did not return. He retired at the end of the school year."