A former teacher from Solihull, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for a catalogue of horrific sexual offences against children, has been permanently barred from ever returning to the classroom.
A History of Predatory Abuse
Peter Jenkins, 56, also known as Peter Greenham, admitted to systematically grooming and abusing four young girls over a period spanning more than two decades. His crimes occurred between 1984 and 2005. Jenkins, who once taught at Whitecross High School in Hereford, pleaded guilty to a total of 15 charges. These included rape, indecent assault, and unlawful sexual intercourse against multiple victims.
One of his victims was just 12 years old when Jenkins, then a university student, befriended and then abused her. He went on to target another girl while he was working as a school teacher. The court heard how his predatory behaviour continued even while he was running a holiday club with his then-wife, Helen Greenham, abusing a 16-year-old girl during that time.
Justice and Professional Consequences
In 2022, Jenkins was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his crimes. The case also had repercussions for his ex-wife; Helen Greenham, who was a vicar at St Helen's Church in Solihull, was removed from her position over allegations she had been aware of the abuse but failed to report it.
The final step in ensuring he never works with children again was taken by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). A professional conduct panel convened on 4 December and made the decision to issue a lifetime prohibition order.
The Official Banning Order
David Oatley, acting on behalf of the TRA panel, stated the order was essential to maintain public trust in the teaching profession. He emphasised the severity of the proven allegations, declaring that Jenkins will not be entitled to apply to have his eligibility to teach restored at any point in the future.
The panel reviewed the full extent of Jenkins's convictions, which included:
- Seven offences of indecent assault on a female under 14.
- Two offences of intercourse with a girl under 13.
- One offence of sexual assault.
- Three offences of gross indecency with a child under 16.
- One offence of rape.
- One offence of attempted indecent assault on a female under 16.
Jenkins retains a legal right to appeal the banning order to the High Court, but must do so within 28 days of being formally notified of the TRA's decision.
