A trusted music teacher who worked at Carlisle's Austin Friars School has been jailed for almost three years for committing sexual offences against teenage girls.

Gordon Brotherston, 64, had admitted five charges involving two girls under 16 and then another with a girl just turned 16, during a period of just under ten years.

Brian Mohan, the sheriff at the court in Dumfries said: “Each of the charges involving three young girls was a breach of trust over a period of some years and the behaviour in question can only attract a custodial sentence.”

The court heard Brotherston, of Morrington, near Dumfries, was working at the city school when he was arrested. His victims were not pupils at the school.

His behaviour was exposed when one girl’s mother reported his behaviour to the police. His name was added to the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Gavin Orr, defending, said that as a result of the offences coming to light, Brotherston had been depressed and suicidal and indicated at an early stage that he intended to plead guilty. Mr Orr added: “He knew he had been doing wrong …he was remorseful."

Sheriff Mohan, jailing him for 34 months, said: “You are clearly a talented musician capable of teaching others musical skills and were a trusted and respected member of the community, but this was a breach of trust involving three young girls.”