Teacher banned over 'repeated violent behaviour'

A former science instructor has been banned from teaching following "repeated incidents of violent behaviour", according to a conduct hearing.

Ramesh Mal was prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college or children's home in England following the hearing's conclusion in February.

He had worked at Heath Park School in Wolverhampton since 2002 as a science technician, and 2010 became an unqualified teacher.

Mal was convicted of assault in 2015, and was also convicted in 2023 for breaching a non-molestation order.

A panel also considered an allegation that he had grabbed a pupil by the arm but this was found "not proven", according to a hearing report.

The identities of those who Mal attacked were redacted in the report, and referred to only as Person A and Person B.

The report said Mal's behaviour had fallen "very significantly short of the standards expected of the profession", in reference to his convictions.

It continued: "The panel considered that Mr Mal's behaviour in committing the offences could affect public confidence in the teaching profession, given the influence that teachers may have on pupils, parents and others in the community."

The report went on to say that his violent behaviour was incompatible with the job of a teacher to be a role model.

It also pointed out that throughout the investigation, all witnesses had expressed concern for Mal and considered his behaviour to be "out of character".

One witness described him as "a good colleague who had been struggling" the report said.

The report added: "Despite the personal difficulties described, Mr Mal had not demonstrated an understanding of how his behaviour outside school related to his professional responsibilities."

It said he had a limited acceptance of what had gone wrong or the seriousness of his behaviour.

"In the absence of such insight, the panel could not be reassured that similar conduct would not occur in the future," the report said.

He had been violent at times when he had been out of control and, given earlier warnings he had received, he should have been aware of the seriousness of further misconduct, it said.

Mal must wait at least five years before he can apply for the prohibition order to be set aside, and this would not be automatic.

If he were to make such an application, a panel would meet to consider whether the prohibition order should be set aside, otherwise he would continue to be banned from teaching indefinitely.

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