Teacher from Essex is banned from the classroom after admitting sexual relationship with pupil

A teacher at a school on the Essex border has been banned from the classroom after he had a sexual relationship with a pupil - and ended up receiving a criminal sentence. Daniel Murphy was employed for five years at the Kantor King Solomon High School in Ilford when the offending took place.

The 34-year-old resigned from the school in October 2020 after he was suspended when two students disclosed that he was having an "inappropriate" relationship with another pupil. He had been employed at the school since June 2015.

Following his suspension, the school referred Murphy to the police and he was subsequently charged with three sexual offences including sexual activity with a child under 16-years-old. On November 17, 2020, he was convicted of all three counts at Snaresbrook Crown Court and jailed for 34 months and placed on the Sex Offender's Register.

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Now, a misconduct panel under the Teaching Regulation Agency has banned Murphy from ever teaching again. In a hearing held earlier this month, the panel found that he had a responsibility for the pupil in question and had used their friend as "cover" to meet with them.

On at least one occasion, Murphy invited the pupil to his home address. During the sentencing hearing at court, it was heard that other pupils had spoken highly of him and that he was "dedicated and selfless" and had assisted with the Covid-19 testing system as he awaited a charging decision by the Crown Prosecution Service.

However, the panel viewed his offending as so serious that he could never return to teaching, and he had not shown remorse. Decision maker Sarah Buxcey said: "The panel was not provided with references from colleagues that could attest to Mr Murphy’s abilities as a teacher.

The panel noted that Mr Murphy accepted responsibility for his actions. However, the panel was not provided with sufficient evidence to be able to comment on Mr Murphy’s level of insight or remorse."

Ms Buxcey added: "This means that Mr Daniel Murphy is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England. Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Murphy shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."

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