Education department checked teacher's background

A statement has been released by the Department of Education, after a teacher was sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape and sexual assault.

Davoud Taghinejad had worked at the Isle of Man College.

That was in addition to private lessons he conducted at his Douglas home, where the abuse took place against five teenage girls.

The department's statement says Taghinejad was employed as a lecturer at the college, taking up the position in September 2009.

It says prior to his appointment, Taghinejad was the subject of a police check, standard for those working in direct contact with young people in education.

This was entirely satisfactory and gave no cause for concern.

Taghinejad’s offences did not occur at the college and there was no suggestion his conduct fell below required standards while at work.

It concludes by saying the department has terminated his employment.