A panel has ruled that a St Albans teacher who made inappropriate comments to female members of staff should not be banned.
Gareth Linwood, formerly of Fleetville Junior School in Hatfield Road, appeared at a professional disciplinary panel on Wednesday, March 19, after he was accused of unacceptable professional conduct.
The Teaching Regulation Agency panel reached a decision over a week later on Friday, March 28, but concluded that a ban would not be appropriate.
Mr Linwood denied all allegations against him but some were proven or deemed proven on the balance of probabilities.
This included remarks made to female members of staff on a Teams meeting where he described a colleague as “looking slim and blonde” while on another occasion it’s claimed he said “he would love to see an intimate waxing of her”.
Several accusations were made covering multiple years, with the panel also proving he kept condoms in his office desk, which he claimed were for educational purposes.
The hearing also heard of his “good history” as well as several pieces of character evidence which attested to the teacher’s “good conduct and dedication to his pupils”.
Marc Cavey, the decision maker in the case, said: “I have placed considerable weight on the panel’s comments regarding the relative seriousness of Mr Linwood’s behaviour, which it assesses as being at the less serious end of the possible spectrum.
“I have also noted its comments on Mr Linwood’s insight into and remorse for his behaviour.
“For these reasons, and without in any way condoning Mr Linwood’s behaviour, I have concluded that a prohibition order is not proportionate or in the public interest.”
Fleetville Junior School has been contacted for comment.
Photo credit: Fleetville Junior School
0 Comments