A chemistry teacher at a prestigious private school has been convicted of assault after tying a child's hands and feet with cable ties, which he claimed was part of a game of 'cops and robbers.' Richard 'Robin' Greenwood, 46, lead teacher of chemistry at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, was found guilty of one count of assault at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, June 26. The incident occurred on August 23, 2023, at an address in Edinburgh, and involved a six-year-old boy who was not a pupil at the school. Greenwood was given an absolute discharge, meaning the conviction will not result in a sentence or a formal criminal record.
Court Details the Incident
The court heard that the victim, now nine years old, was tied by his wrists and ankles with cable ties. Greenwood told the court he used the cable ties as a substitute for toy handcuffs that had been left on a cabinet downstairs. He claimed the incident was part of a game and a distraction technique to calm the child after he ran onto the road and tried to climb out of a window. Greenwood testified: 'I recall him being distressed on the evening. He opened the front door and ran onto the road towards the bus stop. I ran after him and returned to the house. I feared for his safety. He then escaped out the back of the house and onto the street. I locked the front door and put the key on top of a cabinet.'
Teacher's Defence and Verdict
Greenwood said he tried to distract the child with TV and then engaged in play-wrestling, which left the boy 'giggling.' He then used cable ties, telling the boy 'you're under arrest,' to which the child held out his hands. Greenwood restrained the child's wrists and ankles, describing him as 'wiggling like a worm.' However, he admitted he then realized the 'connotations' of using cable ties and freed the boy by cutting him loose with scissors after no more than two minutes. He stated: 'It was just a game. He was in cable ties for no more than two minutes until I realised the connotations of the game and took them off immediately. I agree it doesn't sound good and it was a mistake but I never meant any harm.' Under questioning, he added, 'Looking back on the cable tie incident I feel really stupid and naive,' and denied any malice.
Sheriff's Ruling
Sheriff McCormack delivered a guilty verdict to an amended charge, stating: 'It was a brief episode but a child cannot consent. This conduct of tying up a child was an assault, albeit a brief one with no lasting effect.' He acknowledged the impact a conviction would have on Greenwood's job and income and granted an absolute discharge.
School's Response
Merchiston Castle School, where boarding fees are nearly £17,000 per term, issued a statement: 'Merchiston Castle School notes today's court verdict. The case did not involve any pupils or any allegation connected to the school. The matter related entirely to circumstances outside any professional setting. When the school was made aware of the charges, it followed its safeguarding procedures and sought appropriate specialist advice. Decisions regarding Mr Greenwood's employment were made throughout in line with the school's safeguarding responsibilities, legal obligations and the advice received. As this concerns an individual member of staff's employment, it would not be appropriate to comment further while employment processes are ongoing.'
