Ex Redditch teacher banned from profession for life after being convicted of sexual offences - The Redditch Standard

Ex Redditch teacher banned from profession for life after being convicted of sexual offences

Redditch Editorial 10th Aug, 2022   0

A TRAINEE teacher has been banned from teaching for life after being convicted of making sexual communications with children.

Last month the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) concluded in a professional conduct panel that due to the seriousness of Liam Shackles crimes, he couldn’t reapply to teach.

Shackles, who worked at Ridgeway Academy, was convicted in March 2021 at Worcester Crown Court of six counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.

Shakles was jailed for 14 months and placed on the Sex Offenders Register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.




He was also ordered to forfeit all his devices and pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Although Shackles’ actions took place outside of Ridgeway Academy, the panel concluded that his conduct was: “highly relevant to teaching, working with children and working in an education setting.”


They also go on to report during sentencing, a Crown Court Judge noted that Shackles “deliberately took steps to gain employment in a school on a teacher training programme despite the fact that he was well aware he had this serious and entrenched interest in young girls.”

No evidence was presented to the panel to suggest Shakles’ actions were not deliberate or that he was acting under duress.

The panel recommended that no provision should be made for a review period, starting: “In this case, the nature of the offences and the lack of insight or remorse mean that allowing a no review period is necessary.”

It concluded: “In view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Liam Shakes shall not be entitled to apply for restoration go his eligibility to teach.”

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