Named Disciplinary Tribunal decisions released

Media Release – 8 October 2013

Named Disciplinary Tribunal decisions released

“The Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal has made a rare decision to release the names of two teachers due to the overwhelming public interest of these high profile cases”, says Council Director Dr Peter Lind.   

Dr Lind says, “The Council is satisfied that the decision to cancel Douglas Martin’s registration is published in full. And it is pleased to see the full decision of Glen Lovatt is published to ensure that he is not a future risk to students.

“These decisions show the robustness of the Council’s discipline process, and demonstrate that the protection of the public and maintenance of the teaching profession are at the forefront of the Disciplinary Tribunal’s processes.”

Douglas Martin did not dispute the issues before the Disciplinary Tribunal, which included his guilty plea to several charges of covertly filming under the skirts of young females, while he was an assistant principal of a secondary school. The Tribunal said it had no option but to both censure Mr Martin and cancel his registration.

Glen Lovatt, who is currently imprisoned, was before the Disciplinary Tribunal for historic offences including sexual violation and indecent acts against young students. These incidents occurred between 1995 and 1999 when Mr Lovatt was a registered teacher.

In making the application for the decision to be published in full, the lawyer prosecuting Mr Lovatt said the key considerations were based on the public interest in knowing his name, further complaints that may come forward as a result, and to ensure a safe teaching environment, and maintenance of professional standards.  The Tribunal could not cancel Mr Lovatt’s registration because it had expired, so it ordered a censure and that the decision be published in full.

These decisions are now on the Teachers Council website http://www.teacherscouncil.govt.nz/content/conduct-competence/disciplinary-tribunal/dt-decisions

ENDS

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