A primary school teacher who sent explicit messages to a young girl, including asking if she was a "virgin" and saying he wanted to "join her in bed," has been permanently banned from the profession. Daniel Duhig, 29, received a suspended prison sentence for the offence.
Offence and Arrest
Duhig was a Year 2 teacher at Godwin Primary School in Dagenham. He was arrested on January 8, 2024, after completing only one term at the school. He was placed on leave on January 17, 2024, and dismissed from the school on May 2, 2024.
He was later found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child on April 15, 2025. The communications took place on an over-18s website, and the panel noted that Duhig had apologised and initially stated he was unaware of the child's age.
Panel Findings and Ban
A Teaching Regulation Agency panel expressed concern over the content of the messages, which included: "she must be popular with boys," asking if she was "a virgin," that he "thinks she would be good," and that he "wanted to join her in bed."
The panel imposed a prohibition order without review, meaning Duhig is permanently banned from teaching. The panel concluded that the "no review" period was necessary to maintain public confidence in the profession, stating: "I consider therefore that allowing for no review period is necessary to maintain public confidence and is proportionate and in the public interest."
Sentence and Impact
On May 19, Duhig was sentenced to a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also required to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work, placed on the sex offenders register for seven years, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £153 and prosecution costs of £85.
As a result of the ban, Duhig cannot teach in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England. The panel further stated: "Furthermore, in view of the seriousness of the allegation found proved against him, I have decided that Mr Duhig shall not be entitled to apply for restoration of his eligibility to teach."
