Liverpool teacher banned for life after grooming attempt

A former primary school teacher has been banned from teaching for life after trying to groom a child online. Alan Harbottle, 52, worked at Mosspits Lane Primary School in Liverpool for 12 years. Harbottle chatted with someone he thought was a 14-year-old boy on a dating app. He sent nude photos and arranged to meet the boy. However, he was actually communicating with an undercover police officer, leading to his arrest in May 2023. In court, Harbottle pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He also tried to meet a child after grooming them online. The judge noted that Harbottle was aware his actions were wrong but continued anyway. He received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was ordered to participate in a sexual offender program. Additionally, Harbottle has a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, preventing him from working with children. The teaching regulation agency decided his crimes were serious enough that he cannot work with young people again. He is not allowed to reapply for eligibility to teach.