David Eccott, a 75-year-old former piano teacher with the Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT), has been banned from teaching indefinitely after a Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) professional conduct panel found he lacked insight and remorse for his crimes. Eccott was convicted in September 2022 of making and distributing indecent photographs of children, but continued teaching children for a year before disclosing his arrest to the trust.
Arrest and conviction
In January 2021, Eccott was arrested at his home for taking, making or distributing indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children. He did not inform BYMT of his arrest until January 2022, during which time he continued to provide piano lessons in Bromley primary schools as a self-employed visiting teacher. In September 2022, Eccott pleaded guilty to one count of distributing an indecent photograph (two category C images) and two counts of making indecent photographs (nine category B and twelve category C images). He was sentenced to a community order with a rehabilitation activity requirement until April 2024, fined £220, ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 in costs, and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.
Lack of remorse and continued teaching
In his submission to the TRA panel, Eccott claimed he should have pleaded not guilty as he did not recognise some descriptions of the images, alleging insufficient legal advice. In July 2024, after his community order ended, the TRA received an email stating Eccott was continuing to teach 16 children because “he does not feel as though he is a risk.” The panel noted that Eccott focused on his previous good character and the personal impact of proceedings, showing no clear remorse. Decision maker David Oatley stated: “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.”
BYMT response and safeguarding
BYMT stated that upon learning of Eccott’s arrest, it immediately withdrew him from all school activities and notified relevant authorities. The trust confirmed that Kent Police informed them of the conviction in March 2023, after which they referred the case to the TRA. A BYMT spokesperson said: “We respect and fully support the TRA’s regulatory process and its role in protecting children, young people, and the wider teaching profession. Safeguarding remains our highest priority.” The trust emphasised that all staff and visiting professionals undergo enhanced checks.
