Teacher from Wembley school jailed for beating up work colleague

Conor O'Connell has been jailed for 11 months (Image: Archant)

A teacher at a primary school in Wembley has been jailed for beating up a work colleague and another man in a pub.

Conor O’Connell, 26, a Year Four teacher at St Joseph’s RC School in Waverley Avenue and Chatswoth Avenue, was sentenced to 11 months in prison for the violent attack.

Harrow Crown Court heard how O’Connell, of Compstock Court in Atlip Road, Alperton, had been drinking with his victims in the Ask Lounge, Heather Park Drive, also in Alperton, on October 12.

As the drinks continued to flow, O’Connell became aggressive and punched his 51-year-old work colleague repeatedly in his face.

As the man fell to the floor he kicked him in the face and when the other man, who is 57, tried to intervene, O’Connell punched him in the mouth, causing him to fall to the floor before fleeing the scene.

His first victim was treated for facial injuries.

O’Connell, who gave himself up the day after the attack, was suspended from his job and stepped down from his teaching position before his case went to court.

He admitted unlawful wounding and assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

DC Fiona Davidson from Brent Police said: “This was a particularly violent and unprovoked attack on two innocent men, one of whom has received life changing injuries as a consequence. Both victims and their families have shown a great amount of courage throughout the criminal justice process.”

Pam Gibney, headteacher of St Joseph’s School, said: “This incident took place off school premises and out of school hours. Nevertheless we take matters like this seriously and it was dealt with using local authority guidance.”

In the light of his conviction, O’Connell could face a disciplinary hearing from the Teaching Agency if he is referred to them.

Hank Roberts, president of teaching union Association of Teachers and Lecturers and a teacher at a Brent school said: “Parents would quite rightly be concerned about the well-being of their children with somebody that either cannot control their temper or consciously planned to attack someone. We have a duty to maintain professional standards from teachers.”