The Discipline Committee ordered that the teaching certificate of Thomas Christopher Cavanagh be revoked for engaging in a prohibited act involving child pornography and a prescribed sexual act. In criminal court, Cavanagh pleaded guilty to, and was found guilty of, one count of luring a child, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of making sexually explicit material available to a child, which was conditionally stayed, in accordance with the Kienapple principle, which applies in the criminal law context.
This matter was disposed of without a hearing, in line with the Ontario College of Teachers Act and the Rules of Procedure of the Discipline Committee and of the Fitness to Practise Committee.
Cavanagh was certified to teach in September 2003.
The Discipline Committee panel ordered that Cavanagh’s Certificate of Qualification and Registration be revoked and that he receive a reprimand.
In their decision, the Discipline Committee panel stated, “Those who engage in criminal behaviour of a sexual nature with children cast serious doubt on their suitability to remain a member of a profession that is committed to the protection of students.”
