Wolverhampton Teacher Prohibited from Profession Following Violent Incidents
A science instructor from Wolverhampton has been permanently banned from teaching after a professional conduct panel determined he carried out repeated acts of violence against women outside the classroom. Ramesh Mal, aged 48, was found to have breached teaching standards through his actions, which included an attack during the Coronavirus lockdown period.
Pattern of Violent Behaviour Uncovered
The Teaching Regulation Agency panel heard detailed evidence of Mal's conduct, which they described as constituting a pattern of violent behaviour against females while under the influence of alcohol. Although Mal was never formally charged by police for some incidents, the panel concluded there was sufficient evidence that the events occurred.
One particularly disturbing incident took place in May 2020 during the national lockdown. Mal allegedly knocked a woman to the end of a sofa, grabbed her hair, and placed his knee on her chest. During this assault, the victim hit her head on the corner of the furniture. Police reports noted that Mal appeared intoxicated and resistant during his arrest for this incident.
Previous Court Appearances and Restraining Orders
The panel reviewed Mal's history of legal issues, including his admission of common assault at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court in November 2015. For this offence, he received a community order, restraining order, and financial penalties totaling £295. Mal acknowledged he had been drinking irresponsibly leading up to this crime.
In February 2023, Mal admitted breaching a non-molestation order from August 2022 after being captured on security camera footage visiting the home of a protected person while apparently intoxicated. He received a £600 fine and another restraining order for this violation.
Additional Serious Allegations
The panel also examined an incident from November 2022 where Mal allegedly used excessive force against another woman at a pub. According to witness statements and police records, Mal grabbed the woman around the waist and stomach, then placed his hands around her neck, causing her to briefly lose consciousness. Police noted physical injuries and described Mal as smelling of alcohol and resisting arrest during this incident.
Professional Consequences and Panel Findings
The conduct panel determined that Mal's violent behaviour undermined public confidence in the teaching profession and was incompatible with the role of a teacher as a role model. They noted that despite personal difficulties Mal might have been experiencing, he failed to demonstrate understanding of how his behaviour outside school related to his professional responsibilities.
The panel stated: "Violent behaviour of this kind undermined public confidence in the teaching profession and was incompatible with the role of a teacher as a role model. The panel agreed that Mal's conduct could damage the reputation of the profession and the public's perception of a teacher."
Teaching Career and Character References
Mal had a long association with Heath Park School, first as a student and later joining as staff in 2002. He worked initially as a science technician before becoming an unqualified teacher—specifically a science instructor—in 2010. Colleagues described him as a "really good teacher" who had been "struggling" during the period in question.
Witnesses told the panel that Mal was generally excellent in lessons, well-respected by colleagues and students, and central to school life. They characterized his behaviour as out of character and attributed it to difficult personal circumstances. There were no conduct issues prior to 2020 and no recent concerns about his work as a supply teacher.
Prohibition Order Issued
Following the hearing that concluded in February 2026, the panel issued Mal with a prohibition order, banning him from teaching in any school, sixth-form college, relevant youth accommodation, or children's home in England. The panel noted that Mal had previously received a warning from the regulator's predecessor body, which should have made him aware of the seriousness of further misconduct.
The panel concluded: "Prohibition was both proportionate and appropriate. The panel was of the view that such conduct indicates a belief that the individual is above the rules and obligations that apply to others."
Mal will be eligible to have the prohibition order reviewed from February 2031. The panel found several other allegations not proven, including claims that Mal failed to notify his employer about police investigations and that he acted inappropriately toward a student during a science lesson.
