Perverted teacher who sexually harassed a student who now works at a gas station near schools

A perverted Scottish teacher has been convicted of sexually assaulting a student on school grounds.

Disgraced employee Asif Rafiq, 48, was suspended from his job at a school in Ayr after he groped a student in February last year.

Ayr Sheriff Court heard he put his arms around her, placed his hands on her bottom, squeezed her bottom and kissed her on the face on “several occasions”.

The file can now reveal that Rafiq, a technology teacher and football coach, works at a petrol station in East Ayrshire, close to several local schools.

A photo taken in the garage last week showed the disgraced former educator in his new role, surrounded by boxes of carbonated juice and candy.

A local source said parents in East Ayrshire were concerned that Rafiq was still working in the area.

The local resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It is shocking that this teacher has betrayed the trust placed in him and it is worrying to think that he could be looking after children in this workshop.”

“It made other mothers, fathers and caregivers sick.”

Local Labor councilor Ian Canava was also shocked to learn that Rafiq’s new job involves working near schools.

He said: “Since he has been found guilty he should not be near a school or near children.”

“It should now be left to the law to dictate that he cannot be near a school within a certain kilometer distance.

“I am so outraged that a teacher in a position of trust could commit such crimes.

“I am appalled that Rafiq abused his position of trust and that his victim will be left traumatized by this ordeal.”

The school previously published a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, in which it described Rafiq as “a joy to work with.”

The post said: “Congratulations to our beloved Mr Rafiq who has been signed up for his professional update with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS). GTCS Accredited Teaching and Learning Teacher, Football Director.”

“Great work, working together is fun as always.”

The post was accompanied by a picture of Rafiq with flowers and a bottle of champagne.

It was retweeted by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) at the time.

The school, which describes itself as a “nurturing learning environment where young people are at the heart of everything we do”, has now deleted all traces of Rafiq from its website and social media pages.

Local SNP MP Siobhian Brown said: “I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victim in this case. I commend her courage in coming forward and sharing this horrific experience with the police.

“I hope they get the support they need. It is their courage that helped bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice and prevent it from happening to anyone else.”

Rafiq was found guilty of sexual assault following a trial at Ayr Sheriff Court in April. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13.

Rafiq declined to comment when confronted by the Daily Record at his home. He claimed that he does not look after children in the workshop where he works.

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “We are aware of the situation and the council is following all relevant policies and procedures in this regard.”

A spokesperson for GTCS said: “For legal reasons we are unable to comment. Should a teacher be referred to GTC Scotland, a Fitness to Teach panel will review the case.”

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