Lianne Barclay has been banned from teaching after sending sexually motivated messages and voice notes to a child under 16. The messages, sent between March and July 2019, included phrases such as 'I was horny' and 'you gay yet?'. Concerns were raised while Barclay was working as a food technology teacher at Bridgewater High School in Warrington.
A Teacher Regulation Agency panel heard that Barclay sent the messages to a child, referred to as Child A, who was not a pupil at her school. The messages discussed details of Barclay's and the child's sexuality. In one exchange, Barclay asked, 'How long ago did you come out?' and then added, 'I was horny.' Other messages included 'Can't wait for a cuddle' and 'I will never stop loving you.'
The panel noted that Barclay also sent voice notes. In one, she said, 'Hey baby don't get them red bed sheets... can you get the blue ones cos you know that your girlfriend's favourite colour is blue.' In another, she referred to herself as 'a mother f*****g princess' and told the child, 'you ain't sleeping in bed with me tonight.'
Barclay resigned from her teaching post in August 2020 while under investigation. The police investigation concluded in April 2021 with no further action. The panel found her conduct was sexually motivated and constituted unacceptable professional conduct, bringing the profession into disrepute. Barclay argued the allegations were homophobic and discriminatory, but the panel dismissed this.
