Piano Teacher Banned After Child Image Conviction

David Eccott, a 75-year-old piano teacher, has been banned from teaching indefinitely after being convicted of making and distributing indecent images of children. The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) made the decision following a professional conduct panel.

Continued Teaching After Arrest

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Mr Eccott was arrested at his home in January 2021 on suspicion of taking, making, or distributing indecent photographs or pseudo photographs of children. He continued to teach children for a year following his arrest before disclosing the incident to the Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT), where he worked as a self-employed visiting music teacher. He provided services in Bromley primary schools.

In January 2022, Mr Eccott was informed he could not teach in schools until an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check was completed. He then told the trust he intended to retire and would not return to teaching in schools. BYMT stated that upon learning of his arrest, they immediately removed him from all school activities and informed the relevant authorities.

Conviction and Sentencing

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On 15 September 2022, Mr Eccott pleaded guilty to one count of distributing an indecent photograph, involving two category C images of a child, and two counts of making indecent photographs, involving nine category B and twelve category C images of a child. The following month, he received a community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement until 16 April 2024. He was also fined £220, ordered to pay a £90 surcharge for victim services, and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service. Mr Eccott was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

Kent Police confirmed Mr Eccott’s conviction to BYMT in March 2023, after which the trust referred his case to the TRA. In his submission to the conduct panel, Mr Eccott stated he should have pleaded not guilty, claiming he did not have sufficient legal advice and did not recognise some descriptions of the images he had allegedly posted.

Lack of Remorse and Indefinite Ban

In July 2024, after Mr Eccott’s community order concluded, the TRA received an email alleging he was still providing piano lessons to 16 children, stating he did not feel he was a risk. The conduct panel concluded that this claim, along with Mr Eccott’s submissions focusing on his good character and the personal impact of the proceedings, indicated a lack of clear remorse for his actions. Decision maker David Oatley stated in his report that the lack of insight and remorse suggested a risk of repetition, potentially endangering children's future wellbeing.

A spokesperson for Bromley Youth Music Trust said safeguarding is their highest priority and that all staff undergo enhanced checks. They added that the trust is committed to rigorous safeguarding procedures and responding swiftly to concerns.