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Albyn School did not know teacher was accused of sex offences until day of trial

Owen Somerville
Owen Somerville

A top north-east independent school’s director of music will not face disciplinary action after sexual offence allegations against him were dropped last week.

Owen Somerville – head of music at Albyn School – was cleared of exposing himself to shop workers in February last year when he appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Prosecutors withdrew the charges against Mr Somerville after witnesses were unable to identify him as the man responsible and the case was dropped by the Crown.

The school in Aberdeen’s west end has now written to parents, underlining its support for the music teacher and stressing that the allegations were not linked to his work.

Albyn school

However, last night it emerged that senior staff had not known about the charges until the day of the court case.

The letter to parents, signed by headmaster Ian Long and George Esson, chairman of the board of governors, is dated April 11 – the day after the court case was reported in the Press and Journal.

It says the school had been in contact with Mr Somerville and his solicitor since learning of his court appearance and stressed: “He remains of good character”.

The letter goes on: “The school supports Owen Somerville’s work, his conduct and his professionalism. He has been an excellent director of music who is raising standards in his department and who has proved wholly trustworthy with pupils. We also have references and checks as to his past conduct that are also excellent.

“Mr Somerville will be returning to work after the vacation. He will not be subject to any school disciplinary investigation about this matter.

“We should also add that the school has a strict code of conduct and the protection of children is always our top priority.”

Last night a spokesman for Albyn School said it would not be disclosing any information about its discussions with Mr Somerville when he returns to work.

“The school management was not aware that Mr Somerville was appearing in court until the day of his trial,” he said.

“Following the outcome of the court case, Mr Somerville will return to the school after the Easter vacation. Discussions with Mr Somerville about his contractual obligations are required to be confidential.”