Ban for teacher who battered her husband with the cat bowl

A petite teacher who battered her husband in the head with a hairdryer and cat bowl has been banned from the profession.

Meena Chivers, 42, was jailed at Swindon Crown Court last April for twice attacking her husband Paul on consecutive days in March 2014.

The 5ft 2 special educational needs coordinator worked at Fitzharry’s School in Abingdon, near Oxford, when she attacked her husband after he hoped for an early night following a stressful day.

Chivers, of Highworth, Swindon, was handed a 16 month jail sentence following her trial and now a National College for Teaching and Leadership panel have banished her from teaching.

Chivers picked up the hairdryer and smashed it into Mr Chivers’ head during a night time row
on March 2, 2014.

The row is said to have erupted after her husband enraged Chivers by going straight to bed.

Following a series of comments from his wife Mr Chivers – also a teacher – snapped and ‘bumped’ his wife off the bed.

After than telling him she had calmed down Chivers ripped the hairdryer from the wall and swung it round before clattering it into his head.

Mr Chivers took himself to hospital and received eight stitches before returning home.

The following morning his wife once more targeted his head, this time with a cat bowl.

Chivers was jailed for 16 months for inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault by beating.

The NCTL panel deemed these convictions serious enough to ban Chivers from the profession and recommended that she should not be able to apply to teach again.

Dr Robert Cawley, chair of the panel, said: ‘Although the panel finds the evidence of Mrs Chivers’ teaching proficiency to be of note, the panel has found the seriousness of the offending behaviour that led to the conviction is relevant to Mrs Chivers’ ongoing suitability to teach.

‘There is no evidence that she was acting under duress and the Crown Court judge referred to the absence of remorse.

‘Mrs Chivers’ conduct in committing the offences on consecutive days, the serious and sustained bullying and the failure to accept responsibility for her actions demonstrated a deep seated attitude leading to harmful behaviour.’

Jayne Millions, on behalf of the Secretary of State, agreed with the panel’s decision not to allow Chivers to apply to teach again.

Ms Millions said: ‘I agree with the panel that there is a strong public interest consideration in respect of the protection of pupils given the serious nature of the assaults.

‘Due to the serious nature of this case and for the reasons set out above I agree with the panel’s recommendation that a prohibition order should be imposed and that no review period should be allowed.’

Chivers, who was not present or represented at the hearing, has now been permanently banned from teaching.

In a statement released by Wiltshire Police last year, Mr Chivers said: ‘I am thankful that this ordeal has come to an end and will now be focusing on rebuilding my life and ensuring that my family and I have a safe and happy home environment.

‘I am grateful for the support of Wiltshire Police and would like to thank my family and friends who have also been a great support to me at this difficult time. I would also like to thank the Mankind Initiative who provide great support and advice to male victims of domestic abuse.

‘It can feel hard for some people, particularly men, to report domestic abuse but my situation shows that you will be taken seriously and provided the right support.

‘I would encourage any other victims to contact the police who can help put a stop to the abuse.

‘I hope now that my family and I can be left alone to get on with our lives.’