Former Doncaster PE teacher struck off after sharing scantily clad photos with schoolgirl

David Richardson was the head of PE at Danum Academy, in Doncaster, when he sent texts and WhatsApp messages to a student, including images of himself in his underwear, an inquiry heard.

When he discovered she had spoken to her family about their relationship he told her to delete the messages and deny anything had happened.

The 34-year-old was banned for teaching for at least four years after a professional conduct panel of the National College for Teaching ruled his behaviour had brought the profession into disrepute.

The panel found Richardson began to exchange messages with the student, including photos of each of them naked or partially dressed, in or around summer 2014 and continued for several months.

It also ruled that he had encouraged her to lie and his actions had been 'dishonest' and 'sexually motivated'.

However, a further allegation that he had sex with her on Town Fields in February 2015 was found not to be proved by the panel.

The ruling states: "The panel is satisfied that the conduct of Mr Richardson fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession and, accordingly, the panel is satisfied that Mr Richardson is guilty of unacceptable professional conduct."

It goes on to say that although Richardson had show some remorse, the fact he sought to blame the pupil 'mitigated against any insight that he did show'.

Richardson, who resigned from the school in January 2016 after his misconduct came to light, was banned from teaching indefinitely by the secretary of state.

He cannot apply for the prohibition to be lifted until March 7, 2021 at the earliest.