When parents send their children to school, they expect safety and care—but for one Cheshire school, that trust was shattered.
Richard Lees, 44, a former teacher and rugby coach, has been struck off after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against children and women.
The details of his crimes paint a disturbing picture of abuse and betrayal within an educational setting.
Conviction and Sentencing
Lees was convicted in November 2024 on several serious charges, including four counts of voyeurism, making indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography.
He also admitted to recording images beneath clothing without consent.
On February 7, 2025, he received a two-year prison sentence for his actions.
How the Crimes Came to Light
Investigations into Lees began after an initial arrest in July 2022 for an unrelated offence, though police did not take further action at that time.
Subsequent searches of his encrypted laptop and personal hard drive uncovered shocking “category A” images of children, alongside extreme pornography.
Investigators also discovered upskirting photos of schoolgirls taken on school grounds and videos of women recorded in private spaces at his home.
Lees was arrested again in September 2024 and formally charged with new offences the following month.
The misconduct panel overseeing his case noted that his crimes included serious sexual offences both inside and outside school and that some illegal images had been stored on school computers.
Panel Ruling and Teaching Ban
The teaching misconduct panel determined that Lees was a “continuing risk to women and girls” and highlighted major safeguarding and wellbeing concerns for students.
His offences were described as “gross breaches of trust,” and the panel cited a lack of apparent remorse as a factor in their decision.
As a result, Lees has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely in any school, sixth form college, youth accommodation, or children’s home in England.
He cannot apply to restore his teaching eligibility, though he retains the right to appeal to the High Court within 28 days of receiving the order.
Judge’s Assessment
During sentencing, the judge highlighted Lees’ limited acknowledgment of responsibility and questioned his ability to empathize.
“You have portrayed some shame, but you are not fully ready to take responsibility for your unhealthy interests,” the judge said.
He further emphasized the high risk Lees poses to both children and adult females.
The judge concluded by underscoring the impact of Lees’ actions on public trust: “People send their children to school believing they will be safe. Your actions have disgraced your profession and are appalling.”
What Lies Ahead
Lees is now serving his sentence in prison, permanently barred from the teaching profession, and facing the long-term consequences of his crimes.
Parents, staff, and the wider community are left grappling with the betrayal and the urgent need for continued vigilance to protect children.
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