A Norfolk boarding school teacher ‘sexually assaulted’ two colleagues

A former boarding school PE teacher has been suspended after an investigation revealed he sexually assaulted two colleagues after a night out.

Deane Anderton, who previously worked at Wymondham College in Norfolk, was found guilty by police of ‘sexual misconduct of a serious nature’. Education Regulation Agency (TRA).

During a three-day hearing, the panel heard that the 32-year-old had taken two colleagues home and attacked them.

Mr Anderton denied the allegations and insisted all activities were “consensual”. The TRA has now banned him from teaching indefinitely.

The panel heard that Mr Anderton had been socializing before meeting two colleagues, known as Witness C and Witness D.

The group took a taxi to his house, where they stayed until morning.

During the night, Mr Anderton groped Witness C, held her down in a bed and put his fingers in her mouth, the panel said.

His actions resulted in Witness C sustaining bruises and/or scratches on her body.

Mr Anderton also sexually assaulted Witness C, the panel said.

The reportwhich was published after the hearing, stated that he had tried to put his hand under Witness D’s top and her jeans, which he may have tried to loosen.

Both women, who have been “thoroughly scrutinized” and described as “credible and trustworthy,” spoke the next day.

Witness C reported her concerns to the school three days later, prompting the college to initiate disciplinary proceedings and the matter was referred to the TRA.

Norfolk Police also began an investigation after receiving a report of an incident of sexual assault, but “no further action was taken” due to “evidence issues due to the victim being unsupportive.”

Mr Anderton, who previously had a “good record and character”, has been banned from teaching and cannot teach at any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

He has no right to apply for restoration of his teaching license.

David Oatley, the TRA decision maker, said: “The panel considers that Mr Anderton’s conduct fell significantly below the standards expected of the profession.

“The findings of misconduct are particularly serious because there has also been non-consensual sexual misconduct with younger colleagues.

“It was clear to the panel that sexual motivation was both a plausible and logical conclusion given the facts that had already been proven.

“The lack of insight and remorse, in my view, means there is some risk of this behavior happening again.”

The Sapientia Education Trustwho runs the school, told the BBC that although the incidents took place outside school, “as soon as we became aware of them we took strong action”.

A spokesperson added: “This included appropriate referrals to relevant external bodies and a full disciplinary process resulting in dismissal and referral to the TRA.

“The designated local authority officer was fully involved at all times and ensured a multi-agency approach was in place.

“Appropriate support was provided to the victims. Although at no time were students involved, we expect our staff to maintain high standards of personal behavior.

“Our thoughts remain with the victims and we fully support the decision of the TRA and the Secretary of State to issue a ban order.”