A MARRIED biology teacher is facing sex assault charges after an alleged nine-month relationship with a pupil.
Raffaele Ottaviano, 41, has been suspended at an Edinburgh school over claims involving a girl, 16.
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Allegations against the dad of two span from last December to this month.
One parent said last night: “The whole thing is so upsetting.”
The science teacher has been charged with a string of sex assaults after allegedly having secret liaisons with a schoolgirl over nine months.
Newly-married Ottaviano, who teaches biology at a secondary in Edinburgh, was suspended by bosses amid a police probe.
He has been accused of sexually assaulting the pupil over the nine-month period from last December to this August.
It is believed Ottaviano had been spotted in a restaurant with the 16-year-old child prior to his arrest.
The father of two tied the knot last year with his partner Maria Cubellotti.
A source told The Scottish Sun on Sunday: “Everybody has been left stunned by these accusations.
“It has really sent shockwaves through the community.
“Parents and staff are concerned because these are very serious allegations.
“Now the main focus is on making sure the pupils at the school are supported during the investigation.
“Claims like this aren’t what you expect to hear at your school. It’s only right they are being treated seriously by the management team and police.”
They added: “The whole situation is so upsetting for the children.”
Pupils arrived at the school last Monday to be told Ottaviano would not be teaching.
His belongings were removed from his classroom.
School chiefs sent a letter to parents to “reassure” them over concerns that they may “have heard rumours circulating” about one of their teachers.
They confirmed Police Scotland were investigating.
The letter said: “You may have heard rumours circulating online or elsewhere relating to a teacher at our school.
“Due to this now being a police matter, we’re very limited in what we can share with you.”
It added: “We do, however, want to reassure you that the safety and wellbeing of our young people is our number one priority, and that we have clear safeguarding measures, which we regularly review and update if required.”
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Ottaviano runs a number of companies, including Kai Ray Limited and Edinburgh Heart Hosting Homes, which let out accommodation.
The Italian has held a string of research posts at universities around the world, including in Naples and Sydney, Australia.
He achieved a first class Masters degree in medical biotechnology from University of Naples Federico II in 2007.
Ottaviano also gained a PhD in epigenetics in Edinburgh in 2013 before going on to become a research fellow and tutor.
The scientist then turned his hand to schoolteaching.
He ran a lunch-time science club at the secondary and keeps bees in his spare time.
Last night a spokesman for City of Edinburgh Council said: “The safety and wellbeing of young people in our schools is our number one priority.
“We have clear safeguarding measures, which we regularly review and update if required.
“This is a matter for Police Scotland, so we are unable to comment further.”
A police spokesman said: “A 41-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with sexual assaults in Edinburgh between December 2024 and August 2025.
“He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.”
