Ban for teacher who dragged boy by his bag

A TEACHER struck on the head by a sweet thrown by a pupil dragged the child through the school yard by his backpack.

The boy was injured and left “shaken” following the incident involving supply teacher Jonathan Charles Arthur Burrett, a professional committee was told yesterday.

The 52-year-old has now banned from teaching.

In April 2016 he was convicted of battery over the clash which, according to court records, took place at a secondary school in Caerphilly.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £240 plus £50 in compensation.

At an Education Workforce Council fitness to practise committee hearing in Cardiff the panel had to decide if he was fit to continue teaching following a string of convictions.

Burrett was convicted of pursuing a course of conduct which amounted to harassment at Cardiff Magistrates’ been Court on September 28 last year.

He was sentenced to a community order with a condition to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and 90 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. A restraining order was also imposed until September 28, 2019.

The hearing was told that in January the sentence was varied so the original order was revoked and he was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence.

Burrett, who was not present or represented at the hearing, was also convicted of failing to surrender to custody on September 28, 2017.

On January 10, he was also convicted of failing to comply with the requirements of a community order.

Addressing the committee, presenting officer Patrick Llewelyn said: “Allegation one was assault by battery. It’s believed to have started when a pupil, referred to as Pupil A, threw a sweet which hit the teacher on the head.

“Following this he dragged the pupil by his backpack and dragged him through the yard. Pupil A attempted to get back on his feet but he fell.

“An injury was sustained by Pupil A during the incident.”

Pupil A was said to be left “shaken” following the ordeal and was later interviewed by the police.

Mr Llewelyn explained visual evidence obtained by the police was consistent with other evidence provided.

Addressing the course of conduct which amounted to harassment, Mr Llewelyn said little information was provided regarding the offence but it was said to relate to a woman Burrett continued to contact after the breakdown of a relationship.

Mr Llewelyn said: “He was in a relationship for five years and the details of the case indicate he was texting her for months. He was attending her home address.”

Concluding the case, Mr Llewelyn highlighted the fact the offences were committed recently and said his actions showed a “conflict with the code of conduct”.

“It’s clear that Pupil A was physically injured,” added Mr Llewelyn.

“It was collectively seen by pupils and staff. Mr Burrett’s role was to be a role model to learners.”

On behalf of the committee Tracy Jones confirmed all members believed Burrett, who is said to be residing at Lingholm Close, St Mellons, had been convicted for the offences.

She said “it was clear” an injury had been sustained by the pupil and said the committee took into account all the evidence collected by the police.

Ms Jones said: “The pupil was dragged up 12 steps and exposed his skin. This caused a raise to the left side of the pupil’s lower back.

“In relation to allegation three, this action showed disrespect for the law and justice system.”

Concluding the hearing, Ms Jones confirmed Burrett has been issued a prohibition order which means he has been banned from teaching. The committee decided this was important in order to maintain public faith.

She said: “We have granted a prohibition order. Mr Burrett will be removed from the register of teachers indefinitely. He may apply again but not until two years from today. Without a successful application he will remain prohibited from teaching indefinitely.”