Barred teacher accused of tutor role application

A FORMER deputy headteacher allegedly applied to become an English tutor despite being barred.

- By JADE MCELWEE

Richard Swinnerton appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court, via video link from HMP Holme House wearing a grey graphic T-shirt, on Thursday.

The 35-year-old, who was supported by his dad at the back of court, is charged with engaging in “regulated activity from which barred”.

It is alleged that on July 18 in Hartlepool, Swinnerton sought to engage in an activity regulated by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, namely an English tutor for the Learning Curve Group.

Adam Scott, prosecuting, outlined that Swinnerton was previously employed as a deputy headteacher but has since been banned.

The Middlesbrough court heard that he was convicted of possessing indecent images of children in 2020.