Tutor cleared of touching pupils

An Aberdeen home tutor accused of touching schoolgirls inappropriately has walked free from court after the charges were found not proven.

Stewart MacKenzie, 59, had denied the charges during the trial at the city's sheriff court.

He claimed only to have touched one girl's leg to encourage her to work harder.

Married Mr MacKenzie said: "I am relieved, but I would rather have been found not guilty."

Sheriff Graeme Buchanan found the Crown had not proven the charges against the part-time tutor.

Mr MacKenzie added: "I won't go back to teaching, that career is over. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed imparting knowledge and liked nothing more than helping people."