East Lothian’s MSP Paul McLennan has written to Sir Tom Scholar of the Forfeiture Committee to recommend the removal of the MBE awarded to disgraced music teacher Peter Antonelli.

The committee is convened under the UK Cabinet Office, which considers cases referred to the Prime Minister where an individual’s actions have contributed in damaging the honours system’s reputation – with the subsequent removal of such an honour being called a forfeiture.

Antonelli taught children how to play the piano at schools in East Lothian and was jailed in December last year after jurors found him guilty of rape and indecent assault charges against six of his former pupils.

He was awarded an MBE for services to music education on December 31, 2004, in that year’s New Year’s Honours list.

However, last month a petition with over 200 signatures emerged, urging the MBE to be revoked.

The Forfeiture Committee confirmed that they had received the MSP’s letter stating that the “Forfeiture Committee is already aware of the case of Mr Antonelli” and “will make the appropriate decision in due course”.

However, the committee was unable to provide a timescale for this process.

Mr McLennan was happy to see that the committee was aware of the case and hoped it pressed forward in revoking the award.

He said: “I was pleased to receive confirmation from the Forfeiture Committee that they are looking at the case of Peter Antonelli.

“In my recommendation, I made the case that his MBE should be revoked as he abused the position of power he held as a music teacher, causing considerable and lasting trauma to the pupils who were subjected to his heinous crimes.

“It’s clear from messages from constituents that many of us believe that Mr Antonelli is not fit to hold the honour he was awarded.

“Justice for the pupils of Mr Antonelli is of utmost importance to the people of East Lothian.

“It is only right that his MBE is removed, reflecting the awful abuse of trust and power he inflicted on children under his care.

“I will report further when they have reached a decision and wish to offer my continued support to the former pupils impacted by Mr Antonelli’s crimes.”