Teacher created 'extreme' pornographic image

Gary Shores was a science teacher at Bridlington School

A teacher created an "extreme pornographic image” on his phone, a misconduct hearing heard.

Gary Shores, 52, was employed as a science teacher at Bridlington School when he was found with a video involving bestiality.

A professional conduct panel found Mr Shores’ actions fell “significantly short" of teaching standards.

He has now been banned from the profession indefinitely by the Secretary of State for Education.

Mr Shores received a police caution on 1 April 2021 for the offence, which took place on 22 August 2017.

The Teaching Regulation Agency panel, sitting earlier this month, found the case against him to be proven, adding the established facts amount to unacceptable professional conduct, which may bring the profession into disrepute.

They said they were satisfied the material was "created" on Mr Shores' phone.

Mr Shores claimed the image was sent to him after he stopped teaching in 2019.

However, the panel said it had seen evidence of his resignation letter, which was accepted by the school on 29 September 2017.

Mr Shores' employment ended on 31 December 2017.

'Risk to pupils' wellbeing'

The panel said it considered written representations, provided by Mr Shores in September 2023, in which he referred to "a malicious venture deliberately done to entrap me".

However, they added any deliberate attempt to entrap Mr Shores "would be at odds" with the fact Mr Shores retained the image for two years between its creation and his arrest.

At no time did Mr Shores seek to report or delete the image, the panel said.

David Oatley, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, said Mr Shores would not be allowed to teach again, adding it was necessary to “maintain public confidence”.

He said: “In my judgement, the lack of evidence of insight and remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of pupils.

“I have therefore given this element considerable weight in reaching my decision.”

Mr Shores chose not to attend the hearing.

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