PE teacher 'sexually assaulted' two colleagues

Deane Anderton previously worked as a PE teacher at Wymondham College in Norfolk

A former PE teacher at a boarding school has been struck off after an investigation concluded he sexually assaulted two colleagues following a night out.

Deane Anderton, who previously worked at Wymondham College, Norfolk, was found guilty of “sexual misconduct of a serious nature” by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).

Over the course of a three-day hearing, the panel heard that the 32-year-old had taken two fellow employees back to his home and assaulted them.

Mr Anderton denied the allegations and maintained all activity was “consensual”. He has now been prohibited from teaching indefinitely by the TRA.

The panel heard Mr Anderton had been out socialising before meeting up with two colleagues - known as Witness C and Witness D.

The group took a taxi to his home, where they stayed until the morning.

During the night, Mr Anderton groped Witness C and held her down in a bed and put his fingers into her mouth, the panel said.

His actions resulted in Witness C sustaining bruises and/or scratches to her body.

Mr Anderton also sexually assaulted Witness C, the panel said.

Reported concerns

The report, which was published following the conclusion of the hearing, stated he attempted to put his hand under Witness D’s top and her jeans, which he may have tried to undo.

Both women, who were “scrutinised in a thorough manner” and have been described as “credible and reliable”, spoke with each other the next day.

Witness C reported her concerns to the school three days later, which prompted the college to launch a disciplinary process and the case was referred to the TRA.

Norfolk Police also began an investigation after receiving a report of an incident of sexual assault, but “no further action was taken” as a result of "evidential difficulties as the victim was not supportive".

The Teaching Regulation Agency concluded Mr Anderton was guilty of “sexual misconduct of a serious nature”

Mr Anderton, who was previously of “good record and good character”, has been banned from teaching and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

He is not entitled to apply for the restoration of his eligibility to teach.

David Oatley, the TRA decision maker, said: “The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Anderton fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

"The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include a finding of non-consensual sexual misconduct with junior colleagues.

“It was apparent to the panel that sexual motivation was both a plausible and logical conclusion, considering the facts that had already been found proved.

“In my judgement, the lack of insight and remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour.”

Robust action

The Sapientia Education Trust, which runs the school, told the BBC that although the incidents happened outside of school, "as soon as we became aware of them, we took robust action".

A spokesperson added: "This included appropriate referrals to relevant external agencies and a full disciplinary process that resulted in dismissal and referral to the TRA.

"The local authority designated officer was fully involved at all times, ensuring a multi-agency approach was undertaken.

"Appropriate support was offered to the victims. Although no pupils were involved at any stage, we expect our staff to uphold high standards of personal conduct.

"Our thoughts remain with the victims, and we fully support the TRA and Secretary of State’s decision to issue a prohibition order."