Teacher banned after calling Islam 'satanic' and discussing cocaine with pupils

A Teaching Regulation Agency panel found Patrick Lawler guilty of professional misconduct and banned him indefinitely; the panel said he distributed material intolerant of others' faiths and made inappropriate remarks in class.

Patrick Lawler, a 62-year-old teacher who worked in Northumberland and Bristol, has been banned from the profession after a Teaching Regulation Agency hearing. The panel found he was guilty of professional misconduct and said there was an interest in banning him in respect of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils. The hearing concluded he had distributed material intolerant of others' faiths and made inappropriate remarks in the classroom. He earlier appeared in a BBC Wales undercover documentary about members of the far-right group Patriotic Alternative. Key findings: - The panel found Lawler guilty of professional misconduct and determined his actions brought the teaching profession into disrepute. - He was found to have authored or co-authored online newsletters describing Islam as "demonic" and making hostile remarks about same-sex relationships. - In class, the panel concluded he made inappropriate remarks, including saying cocaine was "purer back in the day" and other offensive comments. - Lawler did not engage with the proceedings or express remorse, and the panel noted that some allegations were not proven and that colleagues gave mixed accounts of his work. - He has been banned from teaching indefinitely and may apply for reinstatement after 22 December 2029. Summary: The Teaching Regulation Agency's decision removes Lawler from the classroom on safeguarding grounds and records the panel's findings about his published material and in-class remarks. He may apply to have the ban lifted after 22 December 2029. The panel also noted that some allegations were not upheld and that some colleagues spoke positively about aspects of his teaching.