Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
UK - A teacher who was convicted of several drug offences involving cannabis between 1998 and 2009 has been given a two year reprimand from the teacher's disciplinary panel.
Alan Taylor, who taught at Westleigh High School in Leigh, had been convicted of possession of the drug with intent to supply.
In the ruling the General Teaching Council said it had heard no evidence the offences had a direct effect on his teaching.
Chairman Aaron King stated: "All teachers are role models and we have heard that you are a good teacher.
"That such offences have been committed by you could well have an effect upon pupil's perception of the risks associated with drugs and undermine other teaching in a school to the contrary.
"Further, the public would rightly expect a registered teacher to respect the law and set an example to pupils and your repeated breach of the law is contrary to the expectation.
"We have noted your challenge to the law with regard to drug use. It is not for us to judge whether the laws that you have broken are legal or reasonable or otherwise."
Mr King added: "This reprimand marks the fact your conduct has been unacceptable and may be taken into account in any future regulatory proceedings against you."
Westleigh School said Mr Taylor is no longer employed there after being dismissed by the governing body in 2009.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Bolton News, The (UK)
Copyright: 2011 Newsquest Media Group
Contact: letters@theboltonnews.co.uk
Website: The Bolton News
Details: MapInc
Alan Taylor, who taught at Westleigh High School in Leigh, had been convicted of possession of the drug with intent to supply.
In the ruling the General Teaching Council said it had heard no evidence the offences had a direct effect on his teaching.
Chairman Aaron King stated: "All teachers are role models and we have heard that you are a good teacher.
"That such offences have been committed by you could well have an effect upon pupil's perception of the risks associated with drugs and undermine other teaching in a school to the contrary.
"Further, the public would rightly expect a registered teacher to respect the law and set an example to pupils and your repeated breach of the law is contrary to the expectation.
"We have noted your challenge to the law with regard to drug use. It is not for us to judge whether the laws that you have broken are legal or reasonable or otherwise."
Mr King added: "This reprimand marks the fact your conduct has been unacceptable and may be taken into account in any future regulatory proceedings against you."
Westleigh School said Mr Taylor is no longer employed there after being dismissed by the governing body in 2009.
NewsHawk: Jim Behr: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Bolton News, The (UK)
Copyright: 2011 Newsquest Media Group
Contact: letters@theboltonnews.co.uk
Website: The Bolton News
Details: MapInc
