Publication date: 4 June 2024

A Fitness to Practise Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), sitting remotely on 21, 22 and 23 May 2024, has found an allegation of ‘unacceptable professional conduct’ proved against school teacher, Richard Coombs.

The Fitness to Practise Committee found the following allegations proven, that Mr Coombs:

1. between June 2021 and March 2022, acted in an inappropriate manner and/or used excessive force towards Person A, in that on more than one occasion he:
   1. grabbed Person A’s arm(s) and/or wrist(s)
   2. threw and/or pushed Person A
   3. held and/or grabbed Person A’s throat and/or neck
   4. pushed and/or squeezed Person A on the side of the head
   5. slapped Person A on the face and/or nose
   6. pinned and/or held Person A to the floor
2. in or around August 2021, sent Person A a text message that said “I wish I punched you so you never woke up”
3. between September 2021 and January 2022, sent text message(s) that were racist and/or offensive in nature

The Fitness to Practise Committee imposed a Prohibition Order, indefinitely removing Mr Coombs from the Register of Education Practitioners in the category of school teacher. It also decided Mr Coombs should not have the opportunity to apply for restoration of his eligibility to register until after a period of three years has elapsed. Should Mr Coombs not make a successful application for eligibility for restoration to the Register after 23 May 2027, he will remain prohibited indefinitely.

Mr Coombs has a right of appeal to the King’s Bench Division of the High Court within 28 days.