It has emerged that the British education secretary, Ruth Kelly, personally gave permission for a convicted sex offender to work as a teacher in England.
The Sunday Telegraph is reporting that Ms Kelly wrote to the 59-year-old to let him know that she had decided not to ban or restrict his employment.
William Gibson, who was convicted of indecently assaulting a child in 1980, has been employed as a supply teacher at Porchester School.
It has emerged that, since his conviction, Gibson has worked in at least three schools.
