Teacher who grew drug awaits decision

A TEACHER who admitted a drugs offence must wait to learn whether he will be struck off after being found to have committed misconduct.

Christian Powell, 38, was handed a suspended prison sentence at Cardiff Crown Court for producing a controlled drug.

He appeared at a fitness to practise hearing of the Education Workforce Council in Cardiff where a panel was told Mr Powell did not intend to grow the cannabis for sale but to smoke it himself.

Mr Powell was a supply teacher at Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School in Caerphilly county, which is now closed and merged with the new Islwyn High School.

The hearing was told Mr Powell was sentenced to eight months in jail suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 120 hours of community work when he appeared at court.

The disciplinary panel was told by case presenter Cadi Dewi that Mr Powell was convicted on the basis that there was an element of an intention to sell.

The teacher was represented by his father David who told the hearing: “He did not intend to sell the cannabis and did not produce the cannabis. He was arrested for cultivation.”

Powell admitted the conviction under the Misuse of Drugs Act but denied producing the cannabis.

The case against Mr Powell was found proved.

Committee chairman Steve Powell said: “It was agreed the offence was at least partially financially motivated and he intended to sell cannabis to those known to him.

“A teacher is expected to uphold the trust of the profession and act as a role model.”

A decision on whether Mr Powell will be struck off will be made at a later date.