Former teacher can attend university despite education ban

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:55 · Archive

A former supply teacher convicted of sexually assaulting a child has been spared prison and will continue his PhD despite a five-year ban from other educational facilities.

Shashank Singhal, of Heia Wharf, Colchester, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a child following a trial in August. Singhal had denied the allegation. Recorder Jeremy Benson said the case "crosses the custody threshold" but concluded a community order could be imposed instead of imprisonment.

The judge imposed a sexual harm prevention order, describing it as "necessary for the protection of the public". This order prohibits Singhal from attending any educational facility other than his university for the next five years. He is currently studying for a PhD at a local university. A breach of the orders could result in imprisonment.

Singhal was also made subject to a five-year restraining order preventing any contact with the complainant and will be barred from entering Felixstowe for the same period. The court heard a victim personal statement from the child, who described feeling "scared and confused" after the assault. Singhal is a foreign national whose immigration status is based on a student visa, and proceedings have led to the renewal of that visa being put on hold. He had no teaching qualification at the time of the incident.

How it is being reported

• Former teacher can attend university despite five-year education ban after convictionA former supply teacher who worked at a school in Felixstowe has been spared prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child.East Anglian Daily Times · 9 Oct, 12:30
• Former teacher can attend university despite five-year education ban after convictionA former supply teacher who worked at a school in Felixstowe has been spared prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child.Ipswich Star · 9 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Shashank Singhal · Ipswich Crown Court · Felixstowe · Colchester · Suffolk

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