Teacher banned over indecent images of children

A teacher has been banned indefinitely from the profession after being found guilty of making indecent photographs of children.

Daniel Smith, a former computer science teacher at Lutterworth College in Leicestershire, also pleaded guilty to possessing extreme pornographic images and was sentenced in April 2023.

A hearing was held by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), and the 31-year-old was given a prohibition order, which prevents him from teaching in any school in England.

A report of the misconduct meeting said Smith's offences were "serious" and "undermines the public confidence in the profession".

The hearing on 15 November took place without Smith, who voluntarily waived his right to attend.

Smith was sentenced to a two-year community order for his crimes as well as 100 hours of unpaid work, 40 days of rehabilitation activity, and given a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

The panel found Smith's conduct "fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession".

He was employed at Lutterworth College from 23 August 2021 and was arrested on 25 April 2022.

According to the report, evidence indicated Smith had downloaded indecent images whilst he was on school premises.

"The panel considered there was a risk of children being able to access those images in the school," the report said.

It said the panel was not provided with any evidence of Smith's abilities as an educator but noted that he appeared to be of previous good character.

The report added: "The panel noted that Mr Smith had not engaged with the TRA.

"There was no evidence that demonstrated Mr Smith's insight or remorse, nor remediation for his actions."

The report said Smith has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days from the date he was given notice of the order.

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