A TEACHER who was accused of grooming an underage girl at a school in Essex has been cleared of wrongdoing by a professional conduct panel.

Colin Yeomans, a teacher in Great Notley, had appeared before the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) in Coventry earlier this month, where a panel heard he had sent flirtatious text messages to a pupil before the two had sex on multiple occasions from 2003 to 2004.

The allegations against Yeomans included that he breached his position of trust, his conduct was sexually motivated, and he failed to observe proper boundaries appropriate to the profession.

The complainant was cross-examined by Yeomans’s lawyer during the hearing, telling the panel she received a Valentine’s Day card containing a top-up voucher so the two could communicate via text.

Braintree and Witham Times: Hearing – a panel met in Coventry over five days to hear the allegationsHearing – a panel met in Coventry over five days to hear the allegations (Image: Pixabay)

During the hearing, the panel also heard how Yeomans allegedly sent inappropriate texts which read “you look really nice in your netball kit”, and “you’re wearing a nice bra today”.

The five-day hearing concluded on Friday, January 12, with the panel then given two weeks to reach a conclusion as to whether Yeomans’s actions could be proved.

The TRA found the case not proved, and published the decision on the Government website on Tuesday, January 23 at Yeomans’s request.

The official outcome of the case was ‘No finding’.

An official document read: “Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with The Teachers’ Disciplinary (England) Regulations 2012, a professional conduct panel was convened to consider the case of Mr Colin Yeomans, formerly employed in Essex, east of England.

Braintree and Witham Times: Conclusion – the outcome of the case was published on the Government website on TuesdayConclusion – the outcome of the case was published on the Government website on Tuesday (Image: Pixabay)

“This professional conduct panel hearing took place at Cheylesmore House, 5 Quinton Road, Coventry, CV1 2WT and was available for the public to observe virtually.

“The Professional Conduct Panel did not find the case proved.

“This statement is published at the request of Mr Colin Yeomans.”

Yeomans had previously stood trial in 2020 when he faced 20 charges of child abuse, but he was cleared by jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court.