Drink-case teacher can keep job

Mulligan had drunk a whole bottle of white wine

A Dundee teacher has been told he can continue working following his conviction for being drunk while looking after a three-year-old boy.

Niall Mulligan was appearing at a General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) disciplinary hearing, where he was given a five-year reprimand.

His record will be marked and his employer informed, but he will not be struck off the teaching register.

Mulligan committed his offence at a Dundee United game in Inverness.

The history and modern studies teacher at St Saviour's High School in Dundee had drunk a bottle of white wine on the train ahead of the Scottish Cup football tie with Caledonian Thistle last February.

Drunken state

At the Tulloch stadium, a member of the public raised concerns about his drunken state with police and he was arrested.

The child was taken into protective custody until he was collected by his mother, who had to drive to Inverness from Dundee.

Mulligan, who is from Balmullo in Fife, admitted a charge of being drunk in a public place while in charge of the child and was fined £300.

He was later suspended from his job for five-and-a-half weeks.

Mulligan can appeal the GTCS decision.