Educator barred from profession after conviction for child indecent images

An educator has received an indefinite ban from teaching following a conviction for creating indecent photographs of children. Daniel Smith, who previously taught computer science at Lutterworth College in Leicestershire, also admitted guilt to charges of possessing extreme pornographic images and received his sentence in April 2023. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) conducted a hearing, resulting in a prohibition order for the 31-year-old, which prohibits him from holding a teaching position in any English school. According to a report from the misconduct meeting, Smith’s transgressions were deemed “serious” and were stated to “undermines the public confidence in the profession”. The proceedings on 15 November occurred in Smith’s absence, as he voluntarily relinquished his right to be present. For his offenses, Smith received a two-year community order, along with 100 hours of unpaid work, 40 days of rehabilitation activity, and a five-year sexual harm prevention order. The panel concluded that Smith’s behavior “fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession”. His employment at Lutterworth College commenced on 23 August 2021, and his arrest took place on 25 April 2022. The report stated that evidence suggested Smith had downloaded indecent images while present on school grounds. The report noted, “The panel considered there was a risk of children being able to access those images in the school.” The panel was not presented with any evidence concerning Smith’s capabilities as an educator, but it was observed that he seemed to have a previously unblemished character. The report further stated: “The panel noted that Mr Smith had not engaged with the TRA.” No evidence was presented to show Mr Smith’s insight or remorse, nor any efforts towards remediation for his conduct. Smith retains the right to appeal the order to the High Court within 28 days of receiving notification, according to the report.