A COMPUTER teacher risked tarnishing his profession by driving while disqualified and breaching a community order.

John Howells, of Winton Arts and Media College, was hauled in front of the General Teaching Council (GTC) for England to explain his convictions for driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and breaching a community order.

The committee found: "Mr Howells has, as a consequence of the three relevant offences, placed at risk public confidence in the profession and the proper standards of conduct of a registered teacher."

The committee imposed a two-year period of conditional registration, which means that should Mr Howells receive a further conviction within the next two years, his case will be referred back to the council for further consideration and he may receive further sanctions.

But he can continue to work at the school.

Vicky Hughes, employee relations manager for Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "We must stress that there are no child protection issues whatsoever associated with these convictions and we worked closely with the school to investigate the circumstances at the time of them coming to our attention. Following these investigations, appropriate action was taken.

"We give serious consideration, within the law, to the ability of teachers with recent convictions to act as suitable role models for the young people in their care while at school.

"This, combined with the decision made by the GTC, has brought us to the conclusion that the teacher is to continue working at the school under the order."