A SUPPLY teacher caught in possession of inappropriate pornographic images has been banned from the profession for life after admitting a sexual interest in children.

Ben Symons worked at schools such as St Paul's Catholic High School in Wythenshawe, but made the admission after a raid at his home around two and half years ago.

The police took no action against the teacher in the end, but referred the case to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) for consideration.

And earlier this month, the 35-year-old was banned from the profession for life, with no chance of a restoration.

When a TRA panel considered the case, it heard how Symons was arrested after a raid at his home.

This panel was able to watch a police interview, in which the teacher explained an interest in 'furry pornography' and 'hentai pornography' led to him looking at inappropriate artwork showing underage children involved in sex acts.

Symons acknowledged that the motivation for looking at the inappropriate artwork was sexual, and also that it was an indication of a sexual interest in underage children.

The panel took into account the teacher looked at artwork, never photographs, and did so at home outside working hours. He also never created or distributed the artwork.

But it still came to the conclusion Symons's misconduct was serious enough for a prohibition order.

It recommended this outcome to the Education Secretary, although with an option for a review after two years thanks to a number of points in mitigation.

The recommendation reads: "The panel placed significant weight on Mr Symons's honesty, openness and the levels of insight and remorse he had shown.

"The panel was impressed Mr Symons had sought immediate professional help following his police interview at his own expense," it adds.

However, Sarah Buxcey, on behalf of the Education Secretary, decided a review after two years is not appropriate.

Her determination went with the panel's recommendation for a prohibition order, but against it for a review period.

It reads: "Due to the nature of the allegations found proven and the damaging effect on the profession, I do not support the panel’s recommendation regarding review period."

Symons's ban is indefinite and covers schools, sixth forms and other forms of children's accommodation. He had 28 days to appeal after it was confirmed on March 2.