WASIM MUSHTAQ: EX-TEACHER FROM BEDFORD AND MILTON KEYNES ON SEX OFFENDERS' REGISTER AFTER ILLEGAL TEACHING

In April 2008, a former educator faced legal consequences after being found guilty of working in schools despite being barred from doing so due to previous inappropriate conduct involving teenage girls. Wasim Mushtaq, aged 35, who had previously taught Business Studies at Mark Rutherford School in Bedford, was ordered to register as a sex offender and participate in a specialized programme for offenders.

Mushtaq's troubling history dates back to his tenure at Lord Grey School in Milton Keynes, where he worked as an IT and Business Studies teacher starting in 2000. During this period, he was investigated by the Department of Education and Skills for allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old student. Although no criminal charges were filed, the school dismissed him from his position due to the concerns raised.

Further allegations surfaced during his time at Wrenn School in Wellingborough, where he was accused of kissing and cuddling female students. There was also an unsubstantiated report suggesting he had sent inappropriate text messages to another teenage girl. Despite these allegations, Mushtaq left Wrenn School in September 2005 to take up a teaching role in Bedford, fully aware that he was under investigation.

In May 2006, the Education Department sent Mushtaq a recorded delivery letter informing him that he was banned from working with children. However, he claimed he never received this notification. Despite the ban, Mushtaq continued teaching for another nine months before the school authorities became aware of his disqualification.

His continued employment despite the ban led to his conviction for working with children while disqualified. During the court proceedings, his barrister, Michael Harrison, argued that if Mushtaq had received the letter, he would have appealed the decision. The case was heard at Luton Crown Court, where Judge Michael Kay QC delivered a stern judgment.

Judge Kay emphasized the pattern of misconduct, stating, “The trend developed where you worked in schools and formed relationships with young teenage female students. They may have developed a crush on you, but as a teacher, you had the responsibility to ensure nothing ensued. This is a serious matter. Parents should have no qualms about sending their teenage girls to school. You have shown repeatedly you are unsuitable to be a teacher.”

As part of his sentence, Mushtaq was given a three-year community order. He is required to attend the Thames Valley Sex Offenders Programme, register as a sex offender, complete 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs amounting to £1400. This case highlights the ongoing concerns about safeguarding in educational environments and the importance of strict enforcement of bans on individuals deemed a risk to minors.