A DRAMA teacher who started a relationship with a ‘vulnerable’ student, which became sexual, has been banned from the classroom for life.

Daniel Laurikietis, 32, who taught at Haslingden High, began a relationship with the unnamed 15-year-old girl through Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and text messages, a Teaching Agency hearing was told.

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She had a number of health problems, which she confided in Laurikietis, after they met up alone outside lessons, and he shared some of his problems with her.

Three years into their relationship he is said to have plied her with ‘a large quantity of alcohol’ at his home before performing a ‘sexual act’ on her.

An agency hearing in Coventry was told Laurikietis, who had worked at the school since September 2008, was warned previously about ‘inappropriate contact’ with students through social media.

He had even created an ‘alias’ Twitter account to avoid detection.

Laurikietis, of Preston, admitted five charges of professional misconduct, including the fact his behaviour was ‘sexually motivated’ and not disclosing the girl’s health issues to senior teachers.

Laurikietis said he had a good teaching record and was having mental health problems at the time.

Teaching Agency panel chairman Nicole Jackson said his actions ‘stepped way beyond professional boundaries’ and showed particular disregard for the wellbeing of the girl.

He said: “You have extensively abused your position of trust in relation to a vulnerable pupil with a history of self-harm.

“You exploited that position of trust for your own purposes. You failed to treat her with dignity and mutual respect.

“Your conduct amounted to a blatant disregard to the need to safeguard Pupil A’s well-being. Her well-being was affected and put at risk. You ignored the policies and practices of the school at which you were employed, despite an earlier warning.”

The former teacher, who now describes himself as a self-employed actor, teacher and director, most recently worked for Preston-based Say Two Productions as a ‘tour leader’, on international productions.

Mark Jackson, headteacher at Haslingden High, said: “Mr Laurikietis had already resigned from his post when these allegations came to light.

“However, we followed the correct procedure and the case was fully investigated and appropriately dealt with in his absence.

“We then referred the matter both to the Disclosure and Barring Service and the National College for Teaching and Leadership.”