A DISGRACED teacher who was jailed for sexually abusing a boy has been permanently banned from the profession.

In October 2020, Stephen Elliott was sentenced to 13 months in custody after he pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a male teenager.

Elliott, then of Bishop Auckland, had initially denied the allegations but did admit to hugging and kissing a teenage boy, claiming it was consensual.

He had admitted the male attended his house where he has stayed over, shared a bed and taken part in drinking games, including naked card games but only pleaded guilty to the offences a week before a trial was due to start.

Sentencing him, Durham Crown Court Judge Ray Singh told Elliott there was “undoubted grooming” and that he had taken advantage of the fact the victim looked up to him.

Elliott was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders register, both for ten years.

Read more: Bishop Auckland teacher Stephen Elliott jailed for sexual abuse

The former drama teacher, 54, has now been prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England indefinitely.

The decision follows a professional conduct meeting held by the Teaching Regulation Agency on January 14.

The panel heard that Elliott admitted two counts of sexually abusing a boy between 13 and 17-years-old, from a position of trust, as well as failing to surrender to custody at the appointed time on August 17, 2020.

Elliott, who had worked at a County Durham school since 1996, was suspended by the school in summer of 2017 when the matters were brought to leaders’ attention and he resigned that November.

The panel considered whether the offences had amounted to "unacceptable professional conduct, and conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute".

Members found Elliott's conduct had breached a number of standards, including upholding public trust in the profession and maintaining high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside the school.

They found his conduct was “at the more serious end of the spectrum”.

The panel said Elliott’s conduct “fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession” and findings of misconduct were “particularly serious” as the offences of sexual activity were committed “whilst in a position of trust”.

The panel received no evidence of mitigating circumstances from Elliott and noted he had shown no remorse at court.

The panel said: “Mr Elliott’s behaviour in committing the offences would affect public confidence in the teaching profession, given the influence that teachers may have on pupils, parents and others in the community.”

Sarah Buxcey, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education, decided that in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him Elliott shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.

He does have a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days of the order.

 

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