'Predatory' school teacher jailed over sexual abuse of 11 and 12-year-old pupils in North Lanarkshire

A teacher who sexually abused two schoolboys over a two-year period has been jailed for three years.

Carol Ann White was convicted of sexual offences against the 11 and 12-year-olds while working at two different North Lanarkshire primary schools.

The 39-year-old, a mother of two, denied a charge of engaging in sexual activity with the children between August 2018 and May 2020, but jurors at Airdrie Sheriff Court took just over an hour to convict her following a seven-day trial.

One of her victims, who has special educational needs, told the court how White “kissed him on the lips” 50 times during a school trip to an outdoor activity centre in Oban.

He also said the teacher had groped him and forced his hand down the front of her trousers while watching the film Titanic.

The pair were found to have exchanged a total of of 1,185 text messages during the Covid lockdown.

White wept as she was jailed by Sheriff Morag Shankland and placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

She will also be on licence for 18 months following her release from prison after the sheriff ruled she posed a risk to the public.

Detective inspector David Lamont said: “Carole Ann White is now facing the consequences of her predatory behaviour.

“She was a teacher, and in a position of trust, at the time she carried out these offences.

“Her victims showed tremendous courage in making sure she was held accountable for her appalling actions.”

DI Lamont added: “I hope this sentence provides a sense of closure for her victims and sends a clear message that all reports of sexual abuse will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland.

“Together with partner agencies, we are committed to supporting victims of sexual crime.

“There is no place for sexual abuse, of any kind, and anyone with concerns should always contact police.”