BIRMINGHAM TEACHER BANNED FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AFTER YEARS OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
A teacher who exposed his private parts to a female colleague and revealed that he was without underwear has been permanently removed from the teaching profession.Paul Fitter, who previously taught physical education at the Grove Campus of City of Birmingham School, faced a lifetime ban after being found guilty of serious sexual misconduct.
Fitter, 48, had been suspended in January 2021 following reports from staff about his inappropriate behavior.
A misconduct panel from the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) found that he engaged in sexual harassment, which entailed repeatedly exposing himself to a colleague and physically lifting and sliding her down his front.
During the disciplinary hearing, Fitter referred to his actions as 'banter,' but the panel observed he showed little understanding or regret for his misconduct.
The evidence confirmed that he had pulled his shorts down past his waist and asked offensive questions about his colleague’s partner’s anatomy.
He also made sexual propositions, including oral sex and a threesome proposal involving other staff members.
Fitter did not deny these allegations, claiming they were part of mutual conversations.
He had been employed as the PE coordinator since March 2016, but concerns about his conduct began surfacing in July 2020.
The panel determined his behavior was unacceptable and could harm the professional image of teachers, highlighting that it was incompatible with the standards of conduct expected in the teaching profession.
Fitter chose not to participate in the TRA hearing, with the panel describing his response as showing very limited remorse or understanding.
Consequently, he was handed a lifetime ban from teaching, though he has the option to apply for a review after five years.
The City of Birmingham School declined to make any comment regarding the case.
