Teaching ban for ex-deputy head who abused girl

Paul Cleary will never be allowed to teach again following the ruling

A former secondary school deputy head teacher who targeted a vulnerable child for sexual abuse has been banned from teaching for life.

Last year, Paul Cleary was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after admitting one count of engaging in sexual communications with a child and three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17 while in a position of trust.

Sheffield Crown Court was told that Cleary, 60, of Doncaster, touched the girl, made suggestive comments and sent emails of a sexual nature.

A Teaching Regulation Agency misconduct hearing has concluded that the serious sexual offences were "wholly incompatible with his working as a teacher".

Last year, Sheffield Crown Court heard how Cleary had targeted "a particularly vulnerable child" and showed her support as a means to gain her trust.

As part of his abuse, he sent her emails of a sexual nature, writing in one: "Your age, my job - the risk makes it so much more appealing."

The Teaching Regulation Agency panel found Cleary had not since shown "any material evidence of insight or remorse".

Panel members remained "very concerned" with his potential risk of re-offending.

David Oatley, from the agency, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, said he therefore considered an indefinite teaching ban necessary to maintain public confidence.

Cleary, who worked in Doncaster before he retired, has 28 days to appeal against the decision.

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