6 days Ago
A primary school teacher has been banned from the classroom after sending vile sexual messages referencing children and sharing an image of a child from a website online Julian Barker was working at Pikes Lane Primary School in Deane as a supply teacher when he "engaged in inappropriate online behaviour" - and his actions took place outside of the school setting. The panel was presented with messages sent by Barker which include sexualised references to children and images of a child. Now he has been banned from teaching by the Teaching Regulation Agency following a hearing, which heard that Barker, 50, "described himself as being ‘aroused’ during the online chats and that he would masturbate whilst engaging in these conversations".
Barker, 50, was arrested by police and convicted of publishing an obscene article after appearing at Manchester City Magistrates Court on November 1, 2023. He was sentenced to a Community Order with a requirement of 60 hours unpaid work and rehabilitation activity and was ordered to pay £85.00 in prosecution costs and £114.
00 victim surcharge. The panel report details that it was found that 'Barker under the username 'Funchats' had exchanged sexualised messages including the other user 'removing the child's clothing'. Barker's actions were said to be pre-meditated, deliberate and repeated, with his conduct being 'over a prolonged period' coming to an end after an undercover intelligence gathering operation by the police.
And that he 'deliberately assumed false identities with the intention of hooking the other users in' while using online chat rooms. The panel stated: "Mr Barker has been convicted of and sentenced for a serious offence which centred around children. "Mr Barker’s conduct included sexualised communication where he himself is depicted as engaging in sexual activity with a child, as well as encouraging others to engage in such activity.
" The report published following the hearing stated: "The allegations as found proved revolved around sexual communication online, including references to engaging in sexual activity with a child." It added: "The panel noted it was of particular significance that Mr Barker’s conduct occurred at the time that he was a supply teacher within a primary school. It therefore determined that Mr Barker’s actions could directly impact upon his teaching role.
"For these reasons, the panel was satisfied that the conduct of Mr Barker amounted to misconduct of a serious nature which fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession. The panel considered that Mr Barker was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct." The panel noted that whilst Barker had not physically engaged in sexual activity, his communication contained sexualised references to children and on one occasion referred to him engaging in sexual activity with a child.
READ MORE: Bolton police investigate jewellery theft from town centre pub Officers patrol Bolton to tackle anti-social behaviour Bolton teacher asked pupil if 'she was a virgin' on social media Barker admitted to the allegations, the panel heard that Barker’s therapist was ‘unable to comment’ on the likelihood of him relapsing. In a written ruling, decision maker Marc Cavey said: “I consider therefore that allowing for no review period is necessary to maintain public confidence and is proportionate and in the public interest. “This means that Mr Julian Barker 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 Barker shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.” Mr Barker has a right of appeal to the High Court within 28 days from the date he is given notice of this order. A spokesperson for Pikes Lane Primary School said: “Julian Barker worked at Pikes Lane Primary School as a supply teacher between September 2022 and March 2023.
“All necessary statutory safeguarding checks were completed by the supplier, and these were verified by the school. “There were no allegations of misconduct whilst he was at the school. “The school acted immediately to safeguard pupils when it first became aware of the allegations and Julian Barker subsequently did not return to Pikes Lane.
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