‘Predatory’ teacher banned from Queensland schools after of sex with babysitter

A Queensland teacher described as a “predator” has been banned indefinitely from teaching in classrooms in the state after a court found he had sex with a student who was also his family’s babysitter and another former student.

The man, known only as Teacher 12, was banned after the Queensland Teachers College launched disciplinary proceedings against him in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

In the decision handed down this week, the court found that grounds for disciplinary action had been prepared and that he exhibited “a tendency to establish close relationships with three students and former students.”

He said there was evidence to support the allegation: “Teacher 12 demonstrated an appalling pattern of behavior in that he was shown to have an extreme sexual interest in three young female students or former school students and was prepared to act on that interest in a clear breach of his position of trust.

“Given the seriousness of Teacher 12’s conduct, we find that Teacher 12’s teacher registration should be revoked and Teacher 12 should be prohibited from re-applying for registration or permission to teach indefinitely.”

In a ruling handed down earlier this week, the court found the man had sex with a pupil while he was still at school and stalked another former pupil whom he knew was vulnerable.

In banning him from teaching in Queensland, the court found serious breaches including asking a student to be a “sexual accessory”, kissing and fondling a student in his office, buying alcohol for a student and “manipulative and controlling behaviour”.

Teachers College produced a 500-plus page report after interviewing two of his former students, his ex-wife and school staff.

The court heard the university brought allegations that he had sex with a woman known as Student 1 in 2000, while she was also working as a babysitter for his children.

The college also alleged years later that it had Student 1 sign a legal declaration stating that they did not have a sexual relationship, in an attempt to undermine an investigation against him.

He was also alleged to have had an inappropriate email contact years later with Student 2, another woman with family and mental health problems, including going to her home and uploading a photo of her with him to his online dating profile.

Following his graduation, they had an inappropriate sexual relationship, the court heard.

The university also alleged that he had inappropriate contact with a third female student in 2015-16.

“Teacher 12’s violations in this case are serious in nature; Teacher 12 has a tendency to maintain close relationships with the three students and former students,” the court said.

The court ruled that the “only appropriate sanction” for Teacher 12 was an indefinite ban.

“It is clear that students must be protected from Teacher 12’s actions and the harm that may follow,” the court said.