Physics teacher groomed female pupil at Highland high school and persued sexual relationship with her

A Highland physics teacher has admitted grooming a female pupil in a bid to have a sexual relationship with her.

David Vincent’s criminal behaviour took place over the course of 18 months after meeting the child at the high school where he worked.

The 57-year-old gave the teenager his personal mobile number before repeatedly sending her intimate text messages, including compliments about her appearance.

The teacher also gave the pupil a Valentine’s Day card and told her that he loved her.

The teenager later reported the teacher to the police in November 2024 after realising she had been groomed by Vincent.

On October 2, 2025, at Inverness Sheriff Court, he pleaded guilty to a sexual abuse of trust charge.

On Thursday, he was given a Community Payback Order with 18 months supervision and a requirement to perform 120 hours of unpaid work.

The 57-year-old was placed on the sex offenders register for 18 months.

A lifelong non-harassment order, preventing Vincent from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was granted.

Alison McKenzie, Procurator Fiscal for Grampian, Highland and Islands, said: “David Vincent exploited a position of trust and an unbalanced power dynamic to systematically groom and abuse a vulnerable child.

“She should have been safe under his care but was sexually exploited over the course of several months.

“This prosecution was made possible thanks to the victim reporting her experience, ensuring that Vincent has now been held accountable.

“COPFS will continue to take action against people who harm women and children, while supporting those affected by this type of crime through the prosecution process.”