A teacher who called in sick rather than informing his school that he was going to court for threatening behavior found himself in trouble years later when he faced court again, this time for drink driving. David Sweet, who was convicted of both offenses, was a teacher at Ysgol John Bright at the time. Sweet resigned last year after it emerged that he had not disclosed his first conviction to the school. A professional standards panel heard that Sweet, who had been teaching at the school since 2005 and held senior positions, knew he was required to disclose convictions. However, he had called in sick on two occasions to attend court for the first conviction of threatening behavior, only revealing the truth when he disclosed the drink driving incident to the headteacher, Hywel Parry.
During the investigation by the Education Workforce Council (EWC), it was revealed that while the school was aware of the drink driving conviction, they were previously unaware of the earlier conviction. Sweet had reported sick leave for both court appearances when he had actually attended court. The EWC hearing highlighted that both convictions posed a risk to the public, with the drink driving incident involving Sweet hitting a hedge and fleeing the scene. The EWC’s Joanna Wilkins stated that on the first matter of aggressive or abusive behavior, members of the public and police had to intervene.
The committee chair, Helen Beard-Robbins, noted that while the offenses occurred in Sweet’s private life and off school premises, there was a potential for serious harm to the public, indicating a breach of trust that could bring the teaching profession into disrepute. Sweet admitted all allegations, attended the hearing, and showed remorse and insight. The EWC fitness to practice hearing found several allegations proved against Sweet, including providing inaccurate information about his absences and failing to disclose criminal convictions. The committee found that Sweet’s actions amounted to unacceptable professional conduct, leading to a reprimand on his teaching registration for a period of two years.
Despite the reprimand, Sweet can continue teaching with the obligation to disclose the incident. He has the option to appeal the decision within 28 days to the High Court. The panel acknowledged Sweet’s engagement with the proceedings, admission of guilt, remorse, and commitment to rehabilitation. They recognized his value to the profession but highlighted the need to address his actions to maintain professional integrity.