'Big bum' message teacher Ian Jones banned from profession

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-33255474

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A teacher found to have sent sexually motivated Facebook messages to a female pupil has been banned from the profession.

Ian Jones, 40, who taught at the Grace Academy in Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Midlands had no physical contact with the pupil, but sent messages containing inappropriate language like "big bum".

It happened shortly before he was due to leave the school.

Mr Jones told a professional conduct panel his messages were a cry for help.

However, he denied his actions, in February 2014 were sexually motivated.

'A violation'

He was said to have discussed his sex life with a female pupil - saying he "wasn't getting any at all" - and discussed going for leaving drinks with three female pupils and staying in a Birmingham hotel together.

The panel heard he also contacted one of the students on Facebook, sending her sexually inappropriate messages using words like "big bum".

The hearing found his actions had "upset" and "frightened" the students.

Mr Jones admitted his actions were inappropriate but denied he had suggested sharing a hotel room with pupils.

However, Alan Meyrick, acting on behalf of the secretary of state for education, said Mr Jones was guilty of abusing his position of trust and his behaviour was a violation of the rights of pupils.

"Mr Jones' behaviour was serious, was sexually motivated and caused harm," he said.

He banned him from teaching indefinitely and said he would not be entitled to apply to rejoin the profession.

Mr Jones has 28 days to appeal against the decision of The National College for Teaching and Leadership panel.

Carl Salt, the academy's principal, said the school had, "an excellent reputation" for safeguarding students.

"In the case of Ian Jones, we took immediate action... by removing him from teaching and conducting our own comprehensive inquiry," he said.