A physics teacher who was dismissed from a prestigious £61,000-a-year school for making a joke on a school trip has died by suicide, an inquest has heard.
John Wright, 54, was found dead at an address in Marlborough, Wiltshire on November 3. Police have described the death as 'not suspicious'. An inquest opened at Swindon and Wiltshire Coroner’s Court on November 7, with a full investigation due to take place later.
Mr Wright had taught at Marlborough College for a decade before being sacked over the summer for 'inappropriate conduct'. Reports suggest the dismissal related to a comment he made during an exchange trip to the school's sister college in Malaysia, including a side trip to Singapore. The remark, 'No gum, no gays', referenced Singapore's ban on chewing gum and Malaysia's laws against homosexuality.
A source told the Daily Mail that the comment was 'just him being cheeky and silly', adding that he was known for making flippant remarks in front of pupils and senior teachers. An internal investigation and disciplinary hearing took place, and Mr Wright's appeal against the decision was unsuccessful. His family reportedly described the disciplinary process as 'outrageous'.
Marlborough College said in a statement: 'The College offers its heartfelt condolences to John Wright’s family on his very sad passing. Our thoughts are with them, as well as John's friends and others in the Marlborough community who will have been affected. It would be inappropriate to comment further.'
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