Parents reveal fury as Borders teacher who assaulted five pupils is sentenced
Last updated 8th Jul 2021
A Borders teacher found guilty of assaulting five pupils over a 14 month period has been ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Linda McCall - who's 60 and from Earlston - was initially cleared of any wrong-doing by Scottish Borders Council, which has since launched an inquiry into its handling of the case.
All the pupils had additional needs and were aged between five and seven years old at the time of the attacks between 2016 and 2017.
But parents have reacted with fury to the sentence - claiming shoplifters get more.
Wiping back tears, one mum told us: "I'm totally gutted. My wee lassie obviously doesn't matter to the courts or anybody. I just can't believe it. We weren't event allowed to sit in there to see that happening - it's just disgusting."
WATCH: Click on the video above to view the scenes outside court...
Passing sentence, Sheriff Roderick Flynn said he took into account McCall was a first offender, that her behaviour was "out of character" in a 38-year career in teaching, and that she planned to retire following her conviction - so would pose no further risk.
He said that some physical handling of children with special needs was necessary but that her conduct went beyond what was necessary or appropriate.
Commenting on the case, a spokesperson for children's charity NSPCC Scotland said: “As a teacher, McCall’s role was to nurture and care for these young children but instead she treated them cruelly by physically and emotionally abusing them.
“The tragedy of this case is compounded by the fact that McCall’s victims had special educational needs, which meant they were largely unable to verbalise the abuse they had experienced.
“Abuse can have a profound and long-lasting effect on children and it is so important that those involved this case receive all the support they need to help them recover. Anyone who is concerned about the wellbeing of a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.”
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The parents of the children have accused Scottish Borders Council of a cover up after previously dismissing the allegations against McCall, and are now planning civil proceedings against the local authority.
An independent investigation into the council's handling of the case is underway and is due to reveal its findings in September.