In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Simon Reeves, a music teacher, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the “vile” sexual grooming and abuse of a teenage pupil. On appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in 2019, the defendant, of Edinburgh, pleaded guilty to making sexual remarks and “reprehensibly” touching a schoolgirl on the thighs and back during brass instrument lessons. It was reported that Reeves “deceptively” used his position of trust at a secondary school in East Lothian to target the girl over a “grim” 30-month period starting when she was just 14.
The investigation established the calculated and predatory nature of Reeves’ conduct. Police Scotland reported that the abuse began in December 2014 and continued until June 2017. The prosecution reported that Reeves “shamefully” persuaded the girl to babysit his children as a “vile” tactic to get her alone, where he would then subject her to inappropriate comments about his marital problems and suggestive “lewd” remarks.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Reeves’ actions were a “monstrous” betrayal of his professional role. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard a statement from the survivor, who described how Reeves would “vilely” rub her thighs—sometimes placing his hands under her skirt—and rub her back during one-to-one lessons. The investigation established that while Reeves “deceptively” claimed to police that he was merely a “tactile person” with “no sexual motivation,” the court rejected this “shameful” excuse, noting the “reprehensible” and gradual nature of his grooming process.
Sheriff John Cook noted the “uncomfortable” and “awkward” position Reeves forced the victim into, making her feel unable to speak out at the time. For his actions in East Lothian, Reeves was placed on the Sex Offenders Register and a report was sent to Scottish Ministers recommending he be “vilely” banned from working with children for life. The judge noted that the “atrocious” breach of trust by a teacher required a full assessment before a final sentence was determined.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in Scotland, the status of Simon Reeves is as follows:
- Custodial Status: Sentence deferred in 2019 following a guilty plea.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active (period determined at final sentencing).
- Professional Status: Reported to Scottish Ministers for a life-long ban from working with children/vulnerable adults (PVG Scheme).
- Judicial Oversight: Convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court following a Police Scotland investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual remarks to a child; Indecent touching of a child.
- Origin: Edinburgh (Offending in East Lothian).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Reeves is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Edinburgh. Due to the nature of his conduct in East Lothian, which involved “monstrous” grooming and “reprehensible” physical contact under the guise of teaching, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his history of “shamefully” exploiting his professional access to children necessitates that he is strictly monitored and permanently barred from any role involving the instruction or supervision of minors.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Reeves must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “atrocious” and “vile” behavior as a freelance trumpet player necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to offer music lessons to children, contact his former pupil, or fail to disclose his employment status to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the judicial system for further incarceration.
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