Boy, 16, boasts he felt “lucky” when he began a relationship with his teacher, a mother-of-three

As teacher Bernadette Smith dodges jail sentence after finding "love" with a student, the schoolboy explains he felt "lucky" to have been singled out

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by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Gary Ralston, who was 16 years old at the time of his relationship with the married 35-year-old, said Smith had been his favourite teacher long before her infatuation with him began.

He said: "I was thinking I was quite lucky. A lot of the boys fancied her. I couldn’t believe she was with me.

"It was the last thing I expected. She said she thought she was going crazy but couldn’t help the way she was feeling."

Gary went on to explain how his relationship with Smith, who was his teacher during third, fourth and fifth year, began during secret meetings at school.

READ: FEMALE TEACHER ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE AFFAIR WITH 16-YEAR-OLD STUDENT

"When I started year six, Bernadette was no longer my teacher, but we’d pass each other in the corridor, say hello and smile."

The teacher later summoned Gary to her classroom at the school in Scotland, where she told him she had feelings for him:

"I walked in and as soon as I sat down she said, 'Ever since we’ve been back at school and I’ve seen you around, I’ve been realising I have feelings for you.'"

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Stock Image

The pair enjoyed a passionate kiss and, while Gary worried for Smith's job, husband and family, he said that she "didn't seem too bothered".

Gary told his father about the affair, who warned his son to be "careful", but the boy's grandmother phoned Bannockburn High School to complain and Smith was suspended immediately.

Yet, despite the relationship being made public, Smith stayed with Gary at his home in Cowie the next night.

Gary said: "We got ready for bed and I felt nervous. I got into bed with my boxers on. She took off her top, but kept her bra and jeans on, and slid in beside me.

"We cuddled and talked – nothing else happened."

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Smith later told police that she "loved the boy and they both wanted to be together", pleading guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a pupil while in a position of trust.

She has been placed under supervision for two years and will remain on the sex offenders' register for the same amount of time.

Smith has also separated from her husband and has been suspended by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

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