Teacher struck off after dragging pupil through yard by rucksack

ATEACHER 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 been banned from teaching, having subsequently been convicted of battery in respect of the incident.

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 whether or not he was fit to continue teaching following a string of convictions.

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

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The hearing was told that in January of this year the original sentence was varied so the original order was revoked and he was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence.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

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 that 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 of the offences.

Concluding, Ms Jones confirmed Burrett has been issued with a prohibition order, which means he has been banned from teaching.