In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that Simon Reeves, 46, a music teacher, escaped a custodial sentence after admitting to the sexual assault of four young schoolgirls. On appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing, the defendant—of Leith, Edinburgh—was spared jail despite carrying out what was described as a “gross breach of trust.” It was reported that Reeves targeted the victims, aged nine and ten, during music lessons at a primary school in East Lothian over a two-year period ending in 2017.
The investigation established the predatory nature of Reeves’ conduct within the classroom environment. Police Scotland reported that Reeves touched the girls on their legs and thighs, stroked their hair and backs, and encouraged them to sit on his knee during tuition. The prosecution reported that the victims initially believed his behavior was “normal” and that he was “just being friendly.” The investigation established that the incidents were only reported after a victim discovered Reeves had been prosecuted the previous year for a similar offence at another East Lothian primary school.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Reeves was already on the Sex Offenders Register (SOR) when the new allegations surfaced. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that Reeves was employed by East Lothian Council to teach instruments across several primary and high schools, using the school’s music room to facilitate the abuse. The investigation established that Reeves pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual assault and accepted full responsibility for the “sleazy” contact with his pupils.
Sheriff Nigel Morrison noted that while the offences were a serious violation of his professional role, social work reports assessed Reeves as a “low risk” of re-offending. For his actions in East Lothian, Reeves was spared a prison term and instead ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work in the community. The judge noted that Reeves would also be subject to a supervision order and would remain on the SOR for a further two years, alongside a strict conduct requirement.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in Scotland, the status of Simon Reeves is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Community Disposal (Sentenced 2019).
- Unpaid Work: 300 hours (Maximum community payback order).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements active for 2 years (following 2019 sentence).
- Supervision Order: Active for 2 years.
- Conduct Requirement: Prohibited from being alone with any child under the age of 18.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court following a Police Scotland investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual assault (multiple counts across two separate prosecutions).
- Origin: Leith, Edinburgh (Offences in East Lothian).
Monitoring and Public Protection
Reeves is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at a high level of scrutiny in Edinburgh. Due to the nature of his conduct in East Lothian, which involved the serial grooming and assault of pupils while in a position of authority, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his conduct requirement—banning him from being alone with minors—is a critical safeguard to prevent him from using his “friendly” teaching persona to target further victims.
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 offending at multiple primary schools in East Lothian necessitates permanent vigilance by local offender management teams. Any future attempt to seek employment in education, approach a school, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for a custodial sentence.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.