Cornwall teacher banned for "offering to sell sexual services" on the internet

He also posted inappropriate pictures of himself.

Thomas Heayel

A Cornish primary school teacher has been banned from teaching for posting inappropriate pictures of himself and offering to sell sexual services on the internet. Thomas Heayel, 31, taught at St Columb Minor near Newquay and was recently the subject of a Teaching Regulation Agency disciplinary hearing.

Mr Heayel, dismissed from the school last summer, was found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute. The behaviour Mr Heayel was ruled to be guilty of is as follows:

• Between 1st February 2020 and 31st July 2020, he posted or allowed to be displayed one or more inappropriate images of himself on the internet.

• Between 1st February 2020 and 31st July 2020, he posted or allowed to be displayed one or more images, messages and comments on the internet offering to sell sexual services.

Mr Heayel admitted the allegations and that his behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct. He began his employment at the school on 1st September 2019. The disciplinary panel was satisfied that Mr Heayel's conduct fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

The panel said: "Whilst the panel had regard to the fact that there was no evidence presented that any pupils had seen or accessed the images online, the board did consider that as a teacher Mr Heayel was likely to be viewed as a role model by pupils.

"The panel noted that whilst the website where Mr Heayel posted the images was restricted, the photos could also be accessed via a generic internet search, and one embodiment had Mr Heayel’s name. Consequently, the images were in the public domain enabling any member of the public, or pupil, to have sight of them.

"The panel, therefore, concluded Mr Heayel's behaviour would undoubtedly damage the public’s perception of the teaching profession, and there were public interest factors to consider."

The panel noted Mr Heayel's remorse and prohibited him from teaching indefinitely, meaning he cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children's home in England. However, he may apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, but not until 5th July 2024, two years from the date of the order at the earliest. For Mr Heayel to return to teaching, he must prove to another Teaching Regulation Agency panel that he is fit to do so.