April 2022

Fife teacher sentenced

A former Fife teacher who groomed senior pupils at the school where he worked will be supervised for three years.

Lewis Knott admitted sexual misconduct with two 17-year-old students.

The former English teacher kissed and hugged one of the pupils and had sexual chat during a drink-fuelled video call with another girl.

The 24-year-old was suspended in 2020 following an investigation by Fife Council and has since left teaching.

He has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for three years and was sentenced to three years supervision and 200 hours unpaid work.

The sex offender must also take part in the Moving Forward: Making Changes programme and must not delete any of his internet history or messages.

He must make internet-accessible devices available for inspection upon request.

Sheriff James Williamson said alarm bells should have been ringing when another teacher called out Knotts conduct.

He said: When you look at the position he was in, its difficult to avoid the conclusion that a degree of grooming was involved.

Your behaviour was entirely and utterly reprehensible.

Its a matter of such seriousness it does and can attract a custodial sentence.

However, he said he was willing to give an opportunity for a strict supervision term and warned: In the event you breach this order, there will be no second opportunity.

February 2022

A newly qualified teacher has admitted sexual misconduct with two 17-year-old pupils during his first year at work.

Lewis Knott kissed and hugged one girl and had sexual chat during a drink-fuelled video call with another, a court heard.

The 24-year-old was suspended in 2020 following an investigation by Fife Council. He has now been placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Knott appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court and admitted engaging in sexual activity with or towards his first victim on multiple occasions in Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy.

He admitted kissing and cuddling her, and touching her body over her clothing, while he was in a position of trust.

Knott, of Glenrothes, further pleaded guilty to communicating indecently with the second girl.

The court heard first victim went to a house party with friends, consumed alcohol and arranged to meet Knott in his car. They drove around Glenrothes before Knott asked her if she could sit in the back seat.

They began kissing but the girl ‘freaked out’ after a few seconds, the court heard.

A week later, the girl went to another party and was picked up by Knott. The pair entered his flat and sat on his bed, again kissing for a few seconds.

On a video call, Knott told his second victim about his sexual experiences, said she was ‘hot’ and that he wanted ‘to taste her’. Knott texted her the next day and told her to delete the messages.

A parent raised concerns to the school and police were informed.

Sheriff James Williamson deferred sentence until April for a social work report and released Knott on bail.