South London teacher banned after having sex with teenage student in his home and hotels
A South London science teacher who showed an 'appalling breach of trust' has been banned from the profession after having sex with a 16-year-old pupil in his home and hotels. Robert Hanna, who was sentenced to three years in prison for the relationship, has now been told he will not teach again.
On November 29, 2024, the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) decided Hanna should be permanently banned. Hanna grooming and inappropriate relationship with the pupil - referred to by the TRA as Pupil A - began after she finished their GCSEs.
Hanna initially arranged a social meeting with Pupil A and some other pupils, then began messaging Pupil A via social media. On one occasion the two kissed then began having sex, including at his flat which he shared with his partner of 17 years. The improper relationship continued for a time after Pupil A began studying for their A levels.
Things came crashing down on Hanna after Pupil A found the courage to inform a teacher of what had been happening and the school immediately suspended him. Hanna was arrested and charged with a number of crimes that year, to which he pleaded not guilty.
He was convicted at a trial in 2021 where Pupil A gave evidence. Hanna was convicted of causing/inciting sexual activity while in a position of trust. He was sentenced to three years behind bars. Hanna appealed against the length of his sentence but this appeal was thrown out. However, his appeal against a sexual harm prevention order was allowed.
Panel Chair David Oatley said: “Mr Robert Hanna is prohibited from teaching indefinitely and cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England. Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegations found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Hanna shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach.”
A spokesperson for the school where Hanna previously taught said: “Robert Hanna’s behaviour amounts to an appalling breach of trust and an abuse of his position in our school. As soon as a disclosure was made to us, we ensured that he was immediately suspended, and the appropriate authorities were informed.
“We have been working with the survivor, their family, the police and Local Authority to bring Hanna to justice. He betrayed their trust and ours. We are grateful for this outcome, which will further protect and safeguard pupils from harmful behaviour."
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