Warwickshire teacher banned from teaching after conviction for secret camera incident
Matthew Udall's indefinite teaching ban follows attempt to secretly film pupil
A Warwickshire science teacher, Matthew Udall, has been indefinitely banned from the teaching profession after he was found guilty of attempting to observe a pupil with a hidden camera.
The decision by a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) panel stated that Udall's actions were "sexually motivated and had the potential to cause serious harm to the pupil."
In June 2022, Udall, 33, gave Pupil A a pen containing a covert video camera, encouraging her to change clothes before using it to write in a journal at home.
The pupil later discovered the camera lens, confiding in a friend and teacher who reported the incident to the headteacher.
He was arrested by police in July 2022, leading to a conviction two years later for inciting or causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to observe a person doing a private act.
Udall was sentenced to 31 months in prison, with the TRA panel noting his intentions were evident despite failing in his attempt.
The Secretary of State concurred with the panel's recommendation for a prohibition order, deeming it proportionate in view of the serious offences Udall was convicted of.
The order prevents Udall from teaching indefinitely in England, with no provision for a review period due to the gravity of his actions and risk of recurrence.
Udall has the right to appeal within 28 days from the date of the order's notice.