Teacher acquitted after using cable ties on child

A sheriff has granted an absolute discharge to a teacher who used cable ties to secure a boy’s wrists and ankles. Richard Greenwood, also known as Robin, was convicted of one count of assaulting a child but acquitted of another charge after a trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The 46-year-old, who holds the position of lead chemistry teacher at Merchiston Castle School, remains employed and had informed the school about the case when he was charged in late 2024. The incident involving the child, now nine years old, took place in Edinburgh on August 23, 2023, when he was six. Greenwood claimed the act was part of a play to calm the child after he had engaged in dangerous behavior. The teacher used cable ties as a substitute for missing toy handcuffs, briefly restraining the child before realizing the implications and promptly releasing him. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the act, Greenwood emphasized that no harm was intended. The sheriff, while recognizing the impact on Greenwood’s job, delivered a guilty verdict for assault due to the lack of child consent. The school where Greenwood works stated that the case did not involve pupils or school-related matters and that safeguarding procedures were followed upon learning of the charges. Employment decisions regarding Greenwood were made in compliance with safeguarding obligations and legal advice.