A teacher who used cable ties to secure a boy’s wrists and ankles has received an absolute discharge from a sheriff. Richard Greenwood, also known as Robin, was convicted of assaulting a child but acquitted of another charge following a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Despite the guilty verdict, he will not face a sentence or have a criminal record due to the absolute discharge.

Greenwood, a chemistry lead teacher at Merchiston Castle School, disclosed the legal case to the school upon being charged at the end of 2024. The incidents in question did not involve any students from the school and did not occur on school premises, as reported by Edinburgh Live.

During the trial, it was revealed that the child, now nine years old, was restrained with cable ties at a location in Edinburgh on August 23, 2023, when he was six. Greenwood explained that he used the cable ties as part of a game to distract and calm the child after he exhibited risky behavior.

The teacher recounted the events, stating that he was concerned for the child’s safety as he ran onto the road and attempted to escape through a window. Greenwood clarified that the use of cable ties was brief, with him realizing the negative implications and swiftly removing them after a couple of minutes. He emphasized that it was intended as a harmless game and not meant to cause harm.

Sheriff McCormack, in delivering the guilty verdict on a modified charge, acknowledged that the act of restraining a child constituted assault, even if it was brief and had no lasting consequences. Considering the impact on Greenwood’s employment, the sheriff granted him an absolute discharge.

Merchiston Castle School responded to the court’s decision by stating that the incident did not involve any students or school-related matters. The school handled the situation in accordance with safeguarding procedures and sought appropriate advice, ensuring that decisions regarding Greenwood’s employment aligned with safeguarding responsibilities and legal obligations. Further comments on the matter were deemed inappropriate while employment processes are ongoing.