A FORMER maths teacher has been banned from the classroom after being convicted of voyeurism and possessing indecent images of children. 

Michael Shepherd, who taught at Dixons Cottingley Academy, formerly Samuel Lister Academy, from July 2017 was convicted of the vile offences in October 2019.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to complete 40 days’ rehabilitation activity requirement and to sign on to the sex offenders’ register for a period of 10 years. Now, the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) has banned him from teaching indefinitely. 

He will not be able to teach in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

A report from the professional conduct panel meeting said: “Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Michael Shepherd shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.”

The report said Shepherd made a “voluntary disclosure” to the Latimer Congregational Church and was then arrested in September 13, 2018 and “admitted to viewing indecent images of children” before being convicted the following October.

It said notice of proceedings was sent to Shepherd in March, but he did not respond “nor did he otherwise engage with TRA process or formally admit the allegation against him”.

However, the panel was provided with an attendance note, which indicated Shepherd had “questioned the necessity for the professional conduct panel hearing” and said he had been convicted of offences and was no longer working as a teacher. 

The report said: “Furthermore, the attendance note stated that Mr Shepherd had confirmed that he did not intend to engage with the TRA process or make any case for himself as he considered that it was inevitable that the TRA would impose a prohibition order.”

In outlining his decision, Alan Meyrick said: “The panel ‘was not presented with any substantive evidence in respect of Mr Shepherd’s ability as a teacher or his previous history as a teacher, although it did appear that Mr Shepherd had previous good history as a teacher.

“The panel was not presented with any documentation relevant to mitigation and it was therefore unable to consider any mitigating circumstances that may have been present. A prohibition order would prevent Mr Shepherd from teaching and would also clearly deprive the public of his contribution to the profession for the period that it is in force.

“I have placed considerable weight on the finding of the panel that, “the public interest considerations outweighed the interests of Mr Shepherd. The serious nature of Mr Shepherd’s offences and the fact that they involved children was a significant factor in forming that opinion.”

He said the prohibition order was necessary to “maintain public confidence in the profession”.

Sir Nick Weller, CEO of Bradford based Dixons Academies Trust, said: “We inherited Michael Shepherd when we took over the school.

"He was dismissed less than a month later. The offences did not take place at the school. We are unable to comment further but are pleased the case has reached its conclusion.”