Cornwall Street’s Jonathan Storey (instructed by Thompsons Solicitors and the National Education Union) has today secured the acquittal of an independent school teacher from the South West of England after a four day contested hearing convened by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
Jonathan’s client faced allegations of multiple inappropriate comments to pupils, some of which were alleged to have been homophobic, offensive, and intolerant on the grounds of sexuality. He also faced an allegation that he inappropriately touched pupils, the motivation of which was said to be sexual. If proved, the allegations would – almost inevitably – have led to his prohibition from teaching for life, as well as reputational ruin. The hearing involved cross-examination by Jonathan of two complainant ex-pupils, both now adults, and the school’s Deputy Head.
Announcing its decision this afternoon, the TRA’s professional conduct panel found only one of the comments alleged to be proved, but accepted that this was a joke and did not amount to unacceptable professional conduct or conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute. Jonathan’s client was cleared of the remaining allegations.