DAVE NEWTON FROM BADMAN SHOCKINGLY BANNED FROM TEACHING IN TELFORD AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

In April 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving David Newton, a PE teacher from the town of Badman, who has been permanently barred from working in classrooms following a series of serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving pupils. Newton, aged 38, who was married at the time, was found guilty of multiple inappropriate and predatory behaviors that have shocked the local community and raised concerns about safeguarding in schools.

Newton’s misconduct was brought to light through a disciplinary hearing conducted by the National College of Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) in Coventry. The panel concluded that Newton had engaged in unacceptable professional conduct that was sexually motivated, which could potentially tarnish the reputation of the teaching profession. The findings highlighted that Newton had demonstrated a troubling lack of insight or remorse regarding his actions, which included a range of inappropriate behaviors directed at at least two female pupils.

Among the most serious allegations was an incident in a swimming pool where Newton reportedly put his hand down a pupil’s trousers and “twanged her thong,” as well as touching her breast. During the same incident, he allegedly grabbed her ankles while she was swimming, making a disturbing comment: “I hope this isn’t the last time I’m between your legs.” These actions were deemed highly inappropriate and indicative of a pattern of predatory behavior.

Further allegations included Newton asking a pupil to kiss him, requesting photos of her underwear with the suggestive comment that he could “bite off” the underwear, and instructing her to do squats to “make her bum look bigger.” During a school skiing trip, he allegedly suggested a naked massage and messaged the girl asking, “clothes on or off?” He also admitted to allowing a teenage girl to put her feet on his lap, holding hands with her, and asking another girl if she wanted to “experience an older man.”

Additional misconduct involved Newton slapping another girl on the bottom and sending her a message implying a desire for a sexual encounter, stating something along the lines of “hotel room, get drunk, sleep with me.” These behaviors, along with the sexualized messages and inappropriate physical contact, formed a pattern of misconduct that the panel found deeply troubling.

Newton’s employment history at the school spanned from September 2002 until he was placed on special leave in June 2015 following the initial allegations. He subsequently resigned from his position in October 2015. The panel’s report emphasized that Newton had abused his position of trust as a teacher, exploiting his role to behave in a highly inappropriate and predatory manner. The panel concluded that his actions involved sexual touching of a pupil and persistent sending of sexualized messages, which severely undermined the integrity of his professional conduct.

In light of these findings, the panel recommended that Newton be struck off the teaching register for life. The decision was made on behalf of Education Secretary Justine Greening, with Alan Meyrick, deputy director of the NCTL, stating that unlike some cases where teachers can seek a review after a period, the severity and nature of Newton’s misconduct warranted a permanent ban. Meyrick explained that the lack of insight and remorse, combined with the sexually motivated behaviors, justified this stringent measure.

Newton has the right to challenge the decision through a High Court appeal if he chooses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding and the need for strict disciplinary measures to protect students from predatory individuals within educational settings.