Webster v General Teaching Council

Webster v General Teaching Council

The Professional Conduct Committee was entitled to find, on the balance of probabilities, that the appellant engaged in an inappropriate (sexual or intimate) relationship with Pupil A. The findings were supported by credible evidence, particularly from Mrs Goss, and there was no error in the Committee's approach or assessment of the evidence. The sanction imposed was not excessive.

Parties
Claimant: Nicola Louise Webster; Defendant: General Teaching Council
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 October 2012
Procedural Posture
Judicial Review/statutory Appeal / Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Professional Misconduct, Standard of Proof, Costs Orders
Administrative Law Professional Discipline Professional Misconduct Standard of Proof Costs Orders

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Nicola Louise Webster

Claimant

General Teaching Council

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Judicial Review/statutory Appeal / Appeal Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Professional Conduct Committee erred in finding the appellant guilty of unacceptable professional conduct
  2. 2 Whether the evidence supported a finding of an inappropriate (sexual or intimate) relationship between the appellant and Pupil A
  3. 3 Whether the sanction imposed was excessive

Ratio Decidendi

The Professional Conduct Committee was entitled to find, on the balance of probabilities, that the appellant engaged in an inappropriate (sexual or intimate) relationship with Pupil A. The findings were supported by credible evidence, particularly from Mrs Goss, and there was no error in the Committee's approach or assessment of the evidence. The sanction imposed was not excessive.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appellant to pay respondent's counsel's costs (£3,420 plus VAT), not to be enforced for 56 days from the date of judgment.