Former East Kilbride drama teacher jailed for sexual contact with pupils
Craig Smith, 43, preyed on the girls who were in fifth and sixth year at a high school in South Lanarkshire, between 2015 and 2016.
Last updated 21st Mar 2025
A former Lanarkshire drama teacher who had sexual contact with two teenage pupils in a school has been locked up.
Craig Smith, 43, preyed on the girls who were in fifth and sixth year at a high school in South Lanarkshire, between 2015 and 2016.
Sick Smith, of East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, took advantage of his "position of trust" by messaging them compliments on Facebook.
Smith's conduct progressed as he sent the girls indecent images of himself.
The ex-principal teacher later became involved physically with both pupils while they were in the drama department of the school.
Smith was suspended after he was caught sending a third girl - aged 14 - a sexualised message which sparked the investigation into his conduct.
He had appeared on River City and Gary Tank Commander, ill-fated TV show Soapstars and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe.
First offender Smith pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to engaging in sexual activity with the three girls.
The court heard that one of the girls - aged 17 - was sometimes taught by Smith was prone to take panic attacks.
She received a Facebook message "apparently concerned for her welfare."
Normal topic 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 also sent a naked image of himself during the conversation.
Matters progressed further when Smith became physical with the girl in the drama department.
Prosecutor Jenny Reid said: "Smith kissed the girl and touched her all over her body...this lasted five minutes."
Smith also performed a sex act on the girl.
He committed a further two further acts on the girl within the drama base and control room of the department.
The girl blocked Smith upon leaving school at 18-years-old and did not hear from him again.
Meantime, Smith sent another pupils compliments on Facebook such as telling her she looked "hot."
He also sent indecent pictures and videos of himself.
Smith kissed the girl in the drama department and touched her body before getting the girl to perform a sex act on him.
Smith's messages with the girl stopped once she had left the school.
The third girl was 14-years-old when Smith spoke to her on Facebook in 2018.
He asked her what she wore to bed and said: "Ever have thoughts you shouldn't?"
Smith also requested a picture which made the girl feel "uncomfortable" and she told him "no."
The matter was later reported to the head teacher and the police were contacted.
The dad-of-two was then 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."
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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