Former teacher remained in job 'for years' despite heroin addiction

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by Change | 19 Mar 2010

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A Stockton teacher in need of drug addiction support was able to continue in his position for a number of years.

A former teacher in need of heroin addiction support was able to remain in his position for years despite his habit.

Ex IT teacher Paul Ranson, 34, taught at Stockton's Blakeston School before a police raid discovered his secret life as a drug addict, gazettelive.co.uk reports.

It is believed that Mr Ranson began taking heroin when at university, while it was also discovered that his partner, 36-year-old Suzanne Goode, was a heroin user too.

Defending Mr Ranson at Teesside Crown Court, the website reported Robert Mochrie as saying that it was "quite an achievement" that he was able to remain in his teaching position despite requiring drug addiction intervention.

"This is not a typical drug dealer we're dealing with," the defence lawyer said.

"He managed to gain meaningful employment in an incredibly responsible position throughout a number of years, whilst dealing with his demon of heroin addiction."

Duncan McReddie, Ms Goode's representative, said that she has been suffering from a drug addiction problem for over eight years.

The court heard that both individuals were part of a small group of people that would provide quantities of heroin to each other, although this was not a commercial enterprise.

While heroin is an addictive drug, this addiction takes time to develop, normally between two to three months.

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