Ex-Abertillery teacher suspended for six months after assault (From South Wales Argus)

Ex-Abertillery teacher suspended for six months after assault

9:27am Friday 1st February 2013 in News By Emma Mackintosh

FORMER Gwent teacher has been suspended from the profession for six months after being convicted of battery and assault.

Kieron Michael Marnell, who taught at cComprehensive for eight years, was sentenced to a twoyear community order and 60 hours’ unpaid work on December 9, 2011, for the offences against his wife Rose Marnell in October that year.

At a hearing yesterday the General Teaching Council of Wales’ professional conduct committee found the offences were relevant to Mr Marnell’s fitness to be a registered teacher.

Mr Marnell told the tribunal he had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression by his GP and had resigned from Abertillery Comprehensive before the offences occurred, on health grounds.

“The offences came after a long period of illness and pressure at home,” he said.

“I regret the effect on my marriage and children as much as the effect on my career.

“I would like to use my skills and I do feel that I want to continue with teaching, I don’t want to throw it all away. I love working with kids and I love my subject, I don’t want to give it up,” said Mr Marnell, who now privately tutors pupils and is retraining to become a further education (FE) lecturer.

Chairwoman of the committee, Rhiannon Steeds, said that although the offences are not “fundamentally incompatible with continuing to be a registered teacher”, Mr Marnell’s rehabilitation from illness and as part of his community order was not complete.

He was given a suspension order for six months and must provide the General Teaching Council of Wales with a medical certificate to prove he is fit to work before he can apply for a post to resume teaching.