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UK: Teacher gets a caution after £9k drugs bust
North Devon Journal Thursday 23 Feb 2012 Park Community School teacher Lynne Malone had previously faced a crown court trial over five drugs allegations. But to the surprise of police in Barnstaple the Crown Prosecution Service dropped four of the charges last week. Malone, 30, admitted one allegation of allowing cannabis to be smoked at her home. She was dealt with for this offence by means of a caution. Police said they were surprised at the CPS decision not to proceed to trial on the other allegations. These were of possessing cannabis and possession and intent to supply cocaine. Malone, of Lane Field Road, Bideford, appeared at North Devon Magistrates' Court on February 13 to hear the charges withdrawn. Her husband Timothy admitted four drugs offences. It's understood the charges all relate to a party at the couple's previous address in Sticklepath, Barnstaple. Sergeant Simon Butler, from Barnstaple CID, made the initial charging decision in the case. He said: "The CPS may have gone down the route of taking into account Malone has lost her job and livelihood and are seeing that as a big enough punishment. "We accept the court's decision, but bearing in mind she was a teacher who had a position of trust with children we are surprised at the outcome." DC Heather Smith, who has also been involved in the case said: "There was over £9,000 of cannabis found at her property. "That amount of drugs should not warrant a caution — it doesn't give a clear picture. "However, in consultation with the CPS this has been the conclusion." Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Tracy Easton explained the CPS decision, She said: "Following a police investigation Mr and Mrs Malone were both charged with a number of offences. "Having reviewed the evidence against Mrs Malone, the CPS has decided that it is no longer in the public interest to prosecute her." The case was adjourned for a week to allow the caution to be processed, which happened on Friday. On Monday the caution papers were passed to prosecutor Ed Canning and the magistrates were able to withdraw the matter. Accepting a caution means that Mrs Malone does not have a criminal conviction. But the fact that she has accepted a caution will stay on record. It's uncertain how the caution will affect her job at Park Community School or her future teaching career. David Atton, the head teacher at Park Community School said on Monday : "I have had no communication regarding the case since the last hearing in December. "Mrs Malone is suspended but I can't say anymore until I have more information." The General Teaching Council, the country's professional body for teaching, confirmed they would be informed by the police of the caution. The GTC, which will soon be amalgamated into The Department of Education's Teaching Agency, will rule on her future as a teacher. The GTC will have to decide whether to proceed with a hearing or not which could result in the end of Malone's teaching career. A spokesman from the GTC confirmed teachers who have received a caution have gone on to teach again, but that each case is dependant on the circumstances. Timothy Malone, 29, of the same address, was charged with four offences including possession of cannabis and cocaine. Two of the charges were amended at last week's hearing. An earlier charge of being concerned in the production of cannabis was amended to producing a quantity for personal use. The amount of cocaine in his possession was also amended from the original quantity of 0.59 grams to 0.08 grams. He admitted all four charges and was sentenced to a community order. He must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 towards court costs. http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Teacher-gets-caution-pound-9k-drugs-bust/story-15295115-detail/story.html
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