iStockA drama teacher has admitted engaging in sexual activity with three teenage girls while working at a school in Lanarkshire.
Craig Smith, 43, preyed on the girls who were in fifth and sixth year at a secondary school between 2015 and 2016.
Smith took advantage of his “position of trust” by messaging them compliments on Facebook.
He sent two girls indecent images of himself.
The ex-principal teacher later became physically involved with both pupils while they were in the school’s drama department.
Smith was suspended after he was caught sending a third girl – aged 14 – a sexualised message, which sparked the investigation into his conduct.
The drama teacher had appeared on TV shows River City, Gary Tank Commander, and Soapstars and had performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.
The first-time offender pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to engaging in sexual activity with the three girls.
The court heard that one of the girls was prone to panic attacks and received a Facebook message “apparently concerned for her welfare”.
Normal topics were discussed at first, but things escalated with Smith sending more sexualised messages.
He said: “You looked really good today, you looked good in uniform.”
Smith sent a naked image of himself during the conversation.
Smith went on to be physical with the girl in the drama department.
Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: “Smith kissed the girl and touched her… this lasted five minutes.”
He also performed a sex act on the girl.
He committed two more acts on the girl in the department’s drama base and control room.
The girl blocked Smith on social media upon leaving school at 18 years old and did not hear from him again.
Meantime, Smith sent another pupil compliments on Facebook, telling her she looked “hot”.
He sent indecent pictures and videos of himself.
Smith kissed the girl in the drama department and touched her body before having her perform a sex act on him.
Smith’s messages to the girl stopped once she left school.
The third girl was 14 when Smith messaged her on Facebook in 2018.
He asked her inappropriate questions and requested a picture, which made the girl feel “uncomfortable”, and she told him “no”.
The matter was reported to the head teacher and the police were contacted.
The father-of-two was suspended.
Chris Broadley, defending, told the court: “He tells me that this was a former life and something that happened some time ago and that in 2025 he views things differently.
“He appreciates the serious nature of his conduct.”
The sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Andrew McIntyre.
The sheriff said: “You do not need me to explain this is a serious matter – you understand as you accept your guilt.
“I am uncertain about the risk you pose to the public, and for that reason, I will remand you in custody.”
Smith was also put on the sex offenders register.
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