Bromley music teacher banned after child abuse images conviction

A 75-year-old former music teacher in Bromley has been barred from teaching after admitting to making and distributing indecent images of children. David Eccott, who worked with the Bromley Youth Music Trust, continued teaching for a year after his arrest before disclosing it to the organisation, MyLondon reported.

Eccott pleaded guilty in September 2022 to one count of distributing an indecent photograph and two counts of making indecent images. The images included nine category B and twelve category C indecent photographs of children, according to court records cited by MyLondon. He was sentenced the following month to a community order, fined £220, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

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A year of teaching after arrest

Eccott was arrested in January 2021 but did not inform the Bromley Youth Music Trust until a year later. During that time, he continued to teach children in Bromley primary schools as a self-employed visiting music teacher, the trust said. It was only in January 2022 that he was advised to stop teaching until his enhanced DBS check was completed.

The trust told MyLondon it immediately withdrew Eccott from all school activities upon learning of his arrest and notified the relevant authorities. Kent Police confirmed his conviction to the trust in March 2023, after which the case was referred to the Teaching Regulation Agency.

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Regulator finds lack of remorse

The Teaching Regulation Agency conducted a professional conduct panel earlier this month. In his submission, Eccott claimed he should have pleaded not guilty, arguing he did not recognise some of the images he was accused of distributing. He also said he had not received sufficient legal advice at the time, as reported by MyLondon.

In my judgement, the lack of insight and remorse means that there is some risk of the repetition of this behaviour and this puts at risk the future wellbeing of children.

David Oatley, Teaching Regulation Agency decision maker

The panel concluded that Eccott had shown insufficient remorse. Decision maker David Oatley wrote that Eccott’s focus on his previous good character and the personal impact of the proceedings demonstrated a lack of insight. The agency banned him from teaching indefinitely in July 2024.

After completing his community order, Eccott emailed the Teaching Regulation Agency in July 2024 to say he was still providing piano lessons to 16 children. He claimed he did not feel he posed a risk, according to the agency’s report.

Trust defends safeguarding response

A spokesperson for the Bromley Youth Music Trust said the organisation fully supported the Teaching Regulation Agency’s decision. The trust said safeguarding remained its highest priority and that it had rigorous procedures in place, including enhanced checks for all staff and visiting professionals.

The spokesperson added that the trust responded swiftly and transparently to concerns but would not comment further, as the legal and regulatory process had concluded. Parents and carers were assured that the trust would continue to prioritise safeguarding.

What happens next

Eccott remains on the Sex Offenders Register until October 2027. The Teaching Regulation Agency’s prohibition order means he cannot teach in any school, sixth-form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children’s home in England. It is unclear whether he will face further legal action for continuing to teach after his conviction.