A COUNCIL child support worker, facing serious sex charges, has been sacked whilst awaiting trial in jail.

Sauchie man Brian Syme, who was employed by Clackmannanshire Council as an educational support worker, travelled between schools helping children with behavioural difficulties.

The 31-year-old man was dismissed from his job on Friday, December 18, after appearing in private at Alloa sheriff court earlier in the week charged with lewd and libidinous practices and behaviour.

He was remanded in custody to Barlinnine Prison, Glasgow, and he made a further appearance, again in private, in Alloa sheriff court yesterday.

The council's chief executive Angela Leitch confirmed Syme had been dismissed.

She said: "He has been dismissed in accordance with the council's disciplinary policy and procedures, subject to a right of appeal.”

Brian Syme was employed by the council for almost three years but had worked short-term and was employed on a casual basis for the authority as far back as 2000.

A spokesman for Central Scotland Police said: "Officers from Central Scotland Police detained a 31-year-old man from Clackmannanshire on December 11 in relation to an ongoing investigation.

"He appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on December 14 and was remanded in custody. He made no plea or declaration."