Dad Says School Blames 16-Year-Old Son For Affair With Teacher

Dad Says School Blames 16-Year-Old Son For Affair With Teacher

A dad whose 16-year-old son was seduced by a teacher claims the boy is being victimised by the school.

Richard Ralston, 42, claims Bannockburn High School in Stirling wants to get rid of his son Gary, 16, because of the sex scandal.

Last week, teacher Bernadette Smith, a 35-year-old mum of three who taught history and English, pleaded guilty last week to sexual activity with a pupil while in a position of trust and will be sentenced later.

Now Gary's dad says officials are making his son feel he's to blame for the affair.

He said: "They want rid of Gary. It's very embarrassing for the school while he's still there and they're keen for him to leave and start a new course at another college."

Richard did not give details, and Stirling Council rejected his claims.

Head of education services David Leng said: "Our policy is to provide the best possible support to all pupils at all times."

Gary told last week how Smith called him to her classroom in September to tell him she had 'feelings' for him.

He said the teacher then took him to a local park, where she kissed him and left two love bites on his neck.

And he said that after his family heard about the affair and told the school, Smith came to his home in Cowie, Stirlingshire, and spent the night with him in his bed, partially dressed.

Gary said: "She took her T-shirt off. She left her bra and jeans on. She had her husband's name tattooed on her back.

"She was under the duvet with me and I took my top off. We were cuddling and kissing and didn't go any further."

Smith, who was fired over the scandal, now calls herself McMenaman, her maiden name.

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