ANGRY parents have criticised a school for not informing them about the reason for a Horwich teacher’s suspension until 11 month later.

In April David Michael Ruaux, aged 52, of Gresley Avenue, Horwich, was convicted of possessing indecent images of children and sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Ruaux had been teaching history at Millfield Science and Performing Arts College, in Thornton, from September 2015 his suspension in July 2017.

But parents were only informed about his crime in a letter sent out this week.

Both the school and Lancashire County Council said the proper process was followed, adding it was not policy to release details of such cases until after investigations are completed.

This is to avoid damaging the reputation of someone who may later be found not guilty.

One concerned father, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “As a parent, I was told nothing. Year 10 and 11 pupils were passing articles around on Snapchat telling each other. Questions need to be answered.”

But headteacher Sean Bullen said: “Last July the police brought an issue to my attention regarding concerns about Mr Ruaux. We suspended Mr Ruaux immediately. He has not been in the building since that point.

“Mr Ruaux obviously no longer works at Millfield. The police have categorically assured us that none of the incidents covered in their investigation relate to pupils at Millfield.

“We always look to act in the best interests of the students.”

The letter to parents states that no issues were raised when the school carried out the necessary background checks when Ruaux was appointed in 2015.