Poulton school head in sex and drugs claim case quits (From Blackpool Citizen)

Poulton school head in sex and drugs claim case quits

4:01pm Thursday 11th December 2008

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A teacher facing an internal investigation after being cleared of having cocaine-fuelled sex with a student has quit his post.

Andrew Riley, the former head of sixth form at Baines School, Poulton, was last year found not guilty of the charges of abuse of trust through having sexual relations with the girl and offering to supply her with cocaine, after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

But Lancashire education chiefs launched a full inquiry after the trial and Mr Riley was suspended from his £36,000-a-year job on full pay.

He was due to face a disciplinary hearing on Monday but handed in his resignation before the hearing began.

Roddy McCowan, headteacher at Baines School, said in a statement: "On Monday the board of governors accepted Mr Riley's resignation, which he submitted in writing before the disciplinary hearing took place.

"I would like to thank pupils, parents, staff and governors for their help, loyalty and support throughout this difficult period at Baines School.

"We are a popular and successful school, recognised for the outstanding personal develop- ment and well-being of our students, and for our strong commitment to building on our success in all aspects of school life.

"This has been a trying time for all of us, but we are exceptionally well placed to move forward with confidence and optimism, and to keep our focus on giving all of our young people the high standard of education they deserve."

Mr Riley has been suspended from his job since the allegations surfaced in May 2006, and was due to face an investigation into his conduct at the end of his trial last October.

But that was delayed for around 14 months because Mr Riley was off sick.

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