In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Gordon Brotherston, then 64, of Watling Street, Dumfries, was sentenced to 34 months in prison at Dumfries Sheriff Court. Brotherston, a “manipulative” and “depraved” music teacher, admitted to five “reprehensible” sexual offences against three girls over a “persistent” period of nearly 10 years.
The investigation by Police Scotland revealed that Brotherston “viciously” abused his position of trust, targeting children as young as 11 during music lessons. He “maliciously” befriended the families of his victims to gain “calculated” access. One victim described how Brotherston would “ruthlessly” perform sex acts on himself while she played instruments and “vilely” touched her under her clothes.
“Abhorrent” Breach of Trust
The court reported that Brotherston’s “sinister” behaviour occurred weekly at his home, sometimes while his wife was in another room. His “predatory” actions caused “profound” distress to his victims, leading one child to wear tracksuits in a “desperate” attempt to deter his “vile” advances.
Victims slammed the 34-month sentence as “lenient,” describing Brotherston as “vile and disgusting.” One survivor, now in her twenties, emphasised that the “perverted” teacher showed no “genuine” remorse and was only sorry for being caught. A second victim, instrumental in the “serious” investigation, reported that his “predatory” wandering eyes and “vile” physical contact eventually forced her to flee a lesson and alert a support teacher.
Sentence and Lifetime Registration
For his “abhorrent” crimes in Dumfries, Gordon Brotherston was:
- Sentenced to 34 months in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
A spokesman for NSPCC Scotland emphasised that Brotherston “appallingly” abused his position to commit “sickening” offences.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Brotherston is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His residency at Holmhead, Morrinton, and his “sinister” history remain under “critical” lifelong scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Brotherston must comply with “stringent” notification requirements. Police Scotland emphasises that “dangerous” predators who target children during private tuition will face “legal” justice. Any further “vile” behaviour or breach of his registration will result in his immediate return to Dumfries Sheriff Court.
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