Basildon teacher Austin Betts banned over indecent images

Austin Betts taught at Woodlands School, in Basildon, Essex, for about nearly five years

A secondary school teacher has been banned indefinitely from the profession after being convicted of making indecent images of children.

A professional conduct panel found Austin Betts, 34, formerly of Woodlands School, Basildon, Essex, did not meet professional standards.

It said his behaviour would have had an "impact on the safety and/or security of pupils and/or members of the public".

There would be no review period.

Betts taught at the academy, for children aged 11 to 16, from 1 September 2016 until July 2021, but was suspended after his arrest.

He was later convicted at South Essex Magistrates Court on charges including making and distributing indecent photography of children and being in possession of extreme pornographic images.

At the virtual hearing, which he did not attend, he provided a signed statement agreeing to the facts.

'Calculated and motivated'

He was found to have breached standards, including to "uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school".

It found his actions were deliberate and "calculated and motivated", and that he was not acting under extreme duress.

He showed some "limited" remorse and "did not indicate a high level of insight".

The hearing found he had a previously good history and was a capable teacher, but his conduct "fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession".

It recommended a prohibition order be imposed with immediate effect with no review period.

The order bans Betts indefinitely from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England.

He has the right to appeal within 28 days.