Former school support worker faces internet sex charges

Published 30 Dec 2009 12:38

A MALE school support worker was remanded in custody last Tuesday after appearing in court charged with setting up a Bebo site posing as a 13-year-old girl and enticing teenage boys to perform sex acts for him in front of a webcam.

Brian Syme, an educational support worker who was dismissed by Clackmannanshire Council on the Friday before the hearing, appeared on petition at Alloa Sheriff Court.

He faced 21 charges - four of lewd and libidinous practices and behaviour, seven of engaging in sexual acts with young persons while in a position of trust, two attempting to procure the commission of a sexual act, five of fraud, and one charge each of possessing an indecent photograph of a child, taking an indecent photograph of a child, and distributing an indecent photograph of a child.

Syme (31) made no plea or declaration at the brief private hearing. He was fully committed and remanded in custody.

Syme was employed by Clackmannanshire Council travelling between schools in the local authority area assisting with children with behavioural difficulties.

The charges allege that Syme encouraged a number of boys to perform solo sex acts while on Bebo. It is alleged that all were acting in the belief that they were engaging in internet sex with a 13-year-old girl, not a 31-year-old man.

A spokeswoman for Clackmannanshire Council said, "We can confirm that a member of staff was recently dismissed.

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"We are limited in what we can say publicly, as we want to ensure the police and justice services can do their jobs.

"Council staff will do everything they can to help the investigation and the council's psychological support services will be on hand."

The spokeswoman added, "Clackmannanshire Council carries out enhanced disclosure checks on all staff employed to work with children. These checks are repeated if an individual is re-employed.

"If people have any concerns about your child's contact with this former member of staff, we recommend that in the first instance they call Central Scotland Police on 01786 456000.

"The council's Psychological Support Services are available during office hours on 01259 226000.

"Out of office hours, if you are concerned about a child's welfare, you can call the duty social work officer on 01786 470500."

Clackmannanshire Council's chief executive Angela Leitch said council staff are working very closely with the police to assist in the identification and support of those young people who may be involved.

"Police will be contacting parents and young people directly and they will tell them how to contact the council's support services," she said.

"Clackmannanshire Council is very experienced in supporting young people and families. Working with police to make sure all involved can receive support, advice and counselling is our top priority."

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