A former Rocester Paedophile teacher, Lian Laidlaw, who neglected to inform his institution about a colleague’s improper relationship with a student and was subsequently convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor has been permanently prohibited from teaching.
A Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) hearing revealed that Lian Laidlaw, formerly known as Ian Featherstone, 44, informed another student about the relationship between his colleague and a pupil but failed to report it to Abbotsholme School in East Staffordshire as a safeguarding issue.
In a statement of agreed facts, Mr Lian Laidlaw acknowledged the charges, which were deemed unacceptable professional behaviour and could tarnish the profession’s reputation.
Mr Lian Laidlaw served as a teacher and head of the department at Rocester School from September 2017 until July 2022. He participated in a disciplinary conference about charges of disclosing sensitive information to a student about his job at the school on July 18, 2022, and was subsequently dismissed on July 28, 2022.
The hearing panel was informed that Mr Lian Laidlaw could have submitted a safeguarding report regarding his suspicions about his colleague’s inappropriate relationship as early as June 2022, given his familiarity with both the fellow teacher and the pupil and his close association with the teacher. He informed another student about the relationship.
He received a 24-week sentence for the offence of actual bodily harm, to be served concurrently.
Mr Lian Laidlaw had previously denied knowing anything about the relationship between the pair but later admitted he had lied at his disciplinary hearing in July 2022.
He was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a pupil on November 2022 at Derby Crown Court. He was sentenced to a total of:
- 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years
- rehabilitation activity for 55 days
- electronic monitoring for six months
- 200 hours of unpaid work
- 45 days on the sex offender programme
- 10 years on the sex offenders register
- A £156 surcharge
The hearing accepted the certificate of conviction as conclusive proof of the commission of these offences by Mr Lian Laidlaw.
In banning Mr Lian Laidlaw from teaching indefinitely, decision maker Sarah Buxcey said: “The findings of misconduct are extremely serious as they include a finding of failing to report a safeguarding concern, conduct found to be dishonest and to lack integrity and an offence involving sexual activity with a child. This was conduct that was, very clearly, at the most serious end of the spectrum, amounting to a breach of the trust placed in him as a teacher.
“Mr Lian Laidlaw 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 Laidlaw shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.”
Mr Lian Laidlaw has a right of appeal to the King’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days from the date he is given notice of this order. Derbyshire Live has approached Abbotsholme School for comment.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.