Deception by job-seeker sir

A Mid Wales teacher who was suspended from a private school tried to obtain another teaching job by deception.

Darrell John Teaves failed to say he had been sacked from teaching at Tregynon Hall School, Newtown, when he applied for a £40,000 a year job as head of humanities at Church Stretton High School.

Mold Crown Court heard yesterday that, at the time, police were investigating allegations of a physical assault against a boy pupil, and claims of a sexual relationship with a girl. But no proceedings had been taken.

And Teaves, now working on a factory assembly line, regarded them as false allegations that had ended his 15-year teaching career, the court was told.

Teaves, 39, admitted trying to obtain a job by deception and was ordered to carry out 80 hours' unpaid work for the community, and pay £250 prosecution costs.

Judge Nicholas Woodward told Teaves, of Ty a Hanner, Bwlch y Ffridd, Newtown, that in March 2006 he had applied for a post at Church Stretton and failed to mention that he had been employed at Tregynon Hall.

He said Teaves's actions were serious as they set out to undermine the checks required to ensure that "only appropriate people are allowed to teach children".

Prosecuting barrister Simon Parry said Teaves was employed at Tregynon Hall, a small private school for about 35 special needs pupils, from October 2005.

But concern was expressed about his conduct and an allegation of assault against a boy pupil was made, and on February 3 he was suspended and the matter reported to the police.

Then a second allegation of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a girl was made and reported to the police. But neither was proved and they were later discontinued.

Defending barrister Oliver Cooke said Teaves had made a grave error of judgement by applying for the other job without mentioning anything about Tregynon.

But he had wanted the school to see what he had to offer without being tainted by false allegations, he said.

By Mike Sivier