Benefit cheat teacher returns to school (From Warrington Guardian)

Benefit cheat teacher returns to Bridgewater High School

8:20am Friday 27th April 2012 in News

A BRIDGEWATER High School teacher convicted of benefit fraud has been allowed to return to work.

Angela Edwards returned to the Appleton school after the Easter holiday period.

The 45-year-old, of Dale Lane, pleaded guilty to stealing £2,795.96 in housing benefit at Warrington Magistrates’ Court in February.

She was told to repay the money plus £100 costs, sentenced to a 12-month community order and told to do 200 hours’ unpaid work.

The physics teacher has now been reinstated in full working capacity.

It means Warrington Borough Council, the body that prosecuted her for the fraud, is now once again her employer.

Timothy Long, head teacher at Bridgewater High School, said: “All our internal processes have been followed thoroughly, and the member of staff remains employed by the school. It would be inappropriate to discuss any further details.”

Speaking generally, John Rimmer, national president of NASUWT, explained the process of reinstatement.

He said: “Such a case will have gone to the secretary of state.

“He will decide if there is any reason to deregister the teacher.

“There is no reason that a criminal record should stop anyone from fulfilling a role in society provided it does not directly affect that role.”