A former maths teacher, already serving a prison sentence for sexual activity with two 15-year-old pupils, has been formally found guilty of bringing the teaching profession into disrepute. Rebecca Joynes, 30, was convicted of six counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and was jailed for six and a half years in July last year.
A Breach of Trust and Professional Boundaries
A professional conduct panel, convened by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), concluded that Joynes's behaviour amounted to unacceptable professional conduct. The panel heard how she groomed and exploited two vulnerable schoolboys, abusing her position of trust for her own sexual gratification.
Phil Thompson, chairman of the panel, stated: "The panel is satisfied that these were extremely serious offences." He added that her actions had damaged public confidence in the teaching profession and agreed with the sentencing judge that she had "abused" her position of trust.
Joynes did not attend the hearing, which was held in her absence. The panel will now recommend to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson whether Joynes should be banned from teaching permanently, with a final decision expected next week.
The Crimes and the Grooming
The misconduct finding follows her criminal conviction at Manchester Crown Court. The court heard that Joynes, known as 'Bunda Becky' to students, began a relationship with her first victim, referred to as Boy A, in October 2021. She bought him a £345 Gucci belt and took him to her flat in Salford Quays, Manchester, where they had sex.
After rumours spread and she was suspended and arrested, Joynes breached her bail conditions by starting a relationship with a second 15-year-old pupil, Boy B. Their sexual relationship continued on numerous occasions. In a manipulative twist, she revealed her pregnancy to Boy B through a 'surprises' game, handing him a baby grow with 'Best Dad' written on it.
Shirlie Duckworth, presenting the case for the TRA, told the panel: "This conviction for offending is of the utmost severity... A teacher committing sexual offences against two boys that she had direct contact with in the course of her profession puts this case at the highest end of the spectrum."
Lasting Impact on the Victims
The profound impact on the two boys was laid bare during the criminal trial. In a hard-hitting victim impact statement, Boy B described being "coerced and controlled, manipulated, sexually abused and mentally abused." He spoke of a "very dark time" that tore his family apart and criticised a lack of support services for male victims of sexual abuse.
He said: "The gender inequality I have faced is absurd. I feel that because of my gender this is seen as a lesser crime." He also expressed frustration that Joynes "still takes no responsibility for the crimes she committed."
During sentencing last year, Judge Kate Cornell told Joynes there was a "breathtaking arrogance in your conduct," and emphasised that 15-year-old boys are "no less vulnerable than girls." Senior Crown Prosecutor Jane Wilson described Joynes as a "sexual predator" whose actions eroded the trust parents place in schools.
The misconduct panel's decision marks the final professional disgrace for Joynes, who is now almost certain to be permanently barred from ever teaching again.
