Teacher Avoids Classroom Ban After Drug-Driving Conviction
A Design and Technology teacher, Michael Younan, has narrowly avoided a professional ban from the classroom following a misconduct hearing. Younan, who teaches at Plume Academy in Maldon, Essex, admitted to driving home under the influence of ketamine and with cannabis in his vehicle after a night out.
The incident occurred on May 16, 2022. Younan, employed at the school since January 2017, was stopped by police while driving home from a bar in Southend-on-Sea. He was found to be over the legal limit for driving while under the influence of ketamine, and cannabis was discovered in his glove compartment.
Younan pleaded guilty to both charges: possession of the drugs and driving while impaired by ketamine. This resulted in a £440 fine and a 12-month disqualification from driving.
A subsequent hearing by the teaching regulatory panel deemed the offence to be “serious.” However, Younan was spared a teaching ban after submitting a heartfelt apology to the panel.
Acknowledging Mistakes and Seeking Redemption
In his written statement to the panel in May 2024, Younan expressed deep regret for his actions. He stated: “I fully regret the decisions that I made, and I understand the impact this would have on families is detrimental to the teaching profession.”
He acknowledged the damage to public trust, adding: “I believe the public’s confidence and trust in me has been affected and I know that I need to rectify this.” Younan reflected on his professional conduct prior to the incident, noting: “When I was a teacher, I had a high level of professionalism through my career and my poor decision-making on May 16, 2022, affected not only myself, but the children I taught and their families.”
Furthermore, Younan detailed the steps he has taken to address his behaviour and make amends. He asserted: “I have addressed the issues relating to the charges and conviction against me and have put things right in the past 18 months and continue to do so.”
Panel’s Decision: Balancing Public Interest and Individual Circumstances
The teaching panel considered Younan’s “previously good history” and his significant contributions to the education sector. They accepted his assertion that the incident was “out of character.”
Marc Cavey, the decision-maker for the teaching panel, outlined the rationale behind the decision not to impose a ban. He concluded: “I have concluded that a prohibition order is not proportionate or in the public interest.”
Cavey elaborated that while the misconduct was indeed serious, the public disclosure of the findings would serve as a sufficient warning. He stated: “I consider that, while the misconduct found in this case was serious, the publication of the findings made would be sufficient to send an appropriate message to Mr Younan as to the standards of behaviour that were not acceptable and that the publication would meet the public interest requirement of declaring proper standards of the profession.”
The panel also took into account Younan’s apology, which demonstrated “evidence of insight and remorse.” This led them to assess the risk of reoffending as low. The decision signifies a careful consideration of the severity of the offence against the teacher’s personal circumstances, professional record, and demonstrated efforts towards rehabilitation.
