Renfrewshire Council has initiated an investigation into its handling of sexual assault allegations against computing teacher Martin Gallacher, who was convicted on 23 September 2026 of abusing teenage boys at Paisley Grammar School. The council's internal inquiry had been abandoned due to insufficient evidence when a student first reported the abuse in 2024, and authorities were never notified of the complaint. Gallacher remained in his teaching position until his arrest and subsequent conviction, during which time additional victims came forward after learning of the initial assault.
The probe will examine the council's decision not to involve police after it became apparent that Gallacher had assaulted a teenager at the school. When the boy reported what had happened to him in 2024, the school conducted an internal investigation that was discontinued because of what officials described as insufficient evidence at that time.
According to reporting from a national news outlet, Gallacher was eventually arrested and charged, before being found guilty on 14 counts. The trial at Paisley Sheriff Court revealed that the initial complainant had left the school after feeling disbelieved, while Gallacher continued in his role. However, as knowledge of the attack circulated within the school and wider community, other victims came forward to report their own experiences.
It has now become clear that Renfrewshire Council failed to inform relevant authorities about the original complaint, allowing Gallacher to remain in his teaching position. The court heard evidence that Gallacher had engaged in grooming and abuse of vulnerable youngsters over an extended period, targeting them during lessons and at lunch, badminton and football clubs he organised within the school.
How long did the abuse continue?
The abuse is said to have occurred between March 2015 and June 2024, spanning nine years. According to trial reporting, the alleged abuse began when some pupils were as young as 11 and continued until they were 17. The 46-year-old teacher now faces a lengthy prison sentence following his conviction.
What was Gallacher's behaviour in court?
Gallacher denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. A fellow computing teacher at Paisley Grammar, Lynda Gibson, gave evidence in his defence, describing him as
the perfect teacherand noting that he had been recognised with a best teacher award. Gallacher claimed that he had touched boys innocently through his roles as a teacher, club organiser or football coach.
However, the court heard evidence that he targeted victims in lessons or when they were alone. He also contacted some pupils on messaging and gaming platforms, and provided gifts and money. The trial established that Gallacher rubbed children on the body and touched them inappropriately. When questioned about his conduct, Gallacher, who said he suffers from mild cerebral palsy, acknowledged that he had touched boys on their shoulders or legs but insisted that it was
definitely not in a sexual fashion. He claimed that sometimes he had touched their shoulders as he was
steadying himselfdue to being unsteady on his feet because of his condition.
What legal measures are being considered?
Following Gallacher's conviction, prosecutor Jason Stark asked Sheriff Eoin McGinty to consider imposing a sexual harm prevention order, which would place limitations on the sex offender's activities. He also sought non-harassment orders that would ban Gallacher from having any contact with his victims. Sheriff McGinty stated that the teacher had taken advantage of the vulnerability of his victims and behaved in a manipulative and predatory way.
According to reporting from a Scottish news source, Gallacher was remanded in custody after the verdict, with sentencing deferred for reports.
What is the council's response?
Renfrewshire Council said it was commissioning an independent learning review into the case. A spokesperson for the local authority expressed regret for the impact Gallacher's behaviour had on his victims, stating:
The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of the utmost importance to us. Wellbeing support is being offered to everyone affected by his actions.
The spokesperson confirmed that a complaint about Gallacher's contact was received in October 2024. They continued:
There was an investigation into that complaint and no action was taken due to insufficient evidence at that time.Following the court decision, the council commissioned a review which would involve police, health and multi-agency partners.
What happens next?
Gallacher is due back in court on 19 October 2026 for sentencing and consideration of reports. The independent learning review being conducted by Renfrewshire Council will examine the circumstances surrounding the initial complaint, the decision to discontinue the internal investigation, and the failure to notify police and other authorities of the allegations.
Key Facts:
- Martin Gallacher was convicted on 23 September 2026 of 14 charges of sexual abuse against teenage boys at Paisley Grammar School
- An initial complaint made in October 2024 was investigated internally but dropped due to insufficient evidence, and authorities were not informed
- The abuse is alleged to have taken place between March 2015 and June 2024, with victims ranging in age from 11 to 17
- Gallacher remains in custody pending sentencing on 19 October 2026, with prosecutors seeking sexual harm prevention and non-harassment orders
- Renfrewshire Council has commissioned an independent learning review involving police, health and multi-agency partners
