Piano teacher banned from teaching after indecent images conviction
David Eccott convicted of making and distributing indecent images of children, and banned indefinitely from teaching.
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David Eccott, a 75-year-old piano teacher, has been banned from teaching indefinitely after being convicted of making and distributing indecent images of children. The ban follows a decision by a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) professional conduct panel.
Eccott was arrested in January 2021. He continued to teach children for a year after his arrest before disclosing the incident to the Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT), where he worked as a visiting music teacher.
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He pleaded guilty in September 2022 to one count of distributing an indecent photograph and two counts of making indecent photographs. He was sentenced to a community order, fined £220, and ordered to pay £90 to fund victim services and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
BYMT stated that upon learning of Eccott's arrest, they immediately withdrew him from all school activities and informed the relevant authorities. Kent Police confirmed his conviction to BYMT in March 2023, after which the case was referred to the TRA.
In his submissions to the conduct panel, Eccott claimed he should have pleaded not guilty and stated he did not have sufficient legal advice at the time. The panel noted that he continued to provide piano lessons to 16 children after his community order concluded, stating he did not feel he was a risk.
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The TRA panel found that Eccott showed a lack of insight and remorse. Decision maker David Oatley stated in his report that this indicated a risk of repetition of his behaviour, potentially endangering the future wellbeing of children.
A spokesperson for BYMT said they respect and fully support the TRA's regulatory process and its role in protecting children and the teaching profession. They reassured parents that safeguarding remains their highest priority and that they are committed to rigorous safeguarding procedures.
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