A maths teacher has been struck off after starting a sexual relationship with a teenage ex-pupil.
Adam Akram, 31, had been at a teacher for three years at The King's Academy, before starting the "affair" with the girl last year, months after she left the Middlesbrough school, reports Teeside Live.
A disciplinary panel heard how it was through his second job a pizza delivery driver that he came back into contact with the girl. He said they were "just friends" at the start but went onto have a sexual relationship which he admitted is not acceptable.
The school's handbook states that teachers should maintain a professional distance from students for at least three years after they have left the school.
It continues that they should never communicate with students using a personal email address, telephone number or social media account.
Mr Akram previously taught the student, referred to as pupil A.
At the hearing he admitted that he began speaking with her after seeing her at the pizza shop and says that she would sit with him in his car - sometimes for more than an hour.
He confirmed that he sent messages to pupil A using personal correspondence but all been erased.
The relationship, which Mr Akram called an "affair", was revealed following an anonymous call to the school, saying pupil A was seen getting in to the maths teacher's car.
Mr Akram was accused of engaging in and/or developed an inappropriate relationship with Pupil A, including by;
a) engaging in correspondence with Pupil A using personal devices;
b) permitting Pupil A to sit in his car;
c) engaging in a sexual relationship with Pupil A
The panel ruled that his actions "constituted conduct that may bring the profession into disrepute".
'Imbalance of power'
The girl did not provide a statement but sent an email sent to the school which corroborated Mr Akram.
It was noted that the teacher expressed his regret and showed insight into the circumstances that led to his behaviour, but made clear that this in no way justified or defended his actions.
He had recognised the "imbalance of power" that existed.
The panel found that the teacher's conduct fell significantly short of the standards expected, and recommended that he be banned from teaching and that this suspension will be reviewed after five years.
However, a ruling on behalf of the Secretary of State found the misconduct was "particularly serious" and found not enough weight was given by the panel to Mr Akram regarding the relationship as an 'affair' and not recognising the impact it has on the girl.
Decision maker John Knowles said: "Mr Adam Akram is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England." Mr Akram has the right to appeal the ruling within 28 days.
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