Ngaio Trueman

Ngaio Trueman, a 51-year-old teacher at St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, was involved in a criminal case related to driving under the influence of alcohol. On July 11, 2024, police were called to the school after Trueman arrived late for work, appearing unsteady and with a strong smell of alcohol on her breath while greeting children and parents. She denied drinking but admitted to driving to school. A breathalyser test revealed she was almost four times over the legal alcohol limit, leading to her arrest.

Trueman formally pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit and was convicted at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on July 30, 2024. The court issued a community order, which included a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to ten days. She was also disqualified from holding a driving licence for 30 months, with a potential reduction upon completing an approved course, and fined £615.

In May 2026, a Teaching Regulation Agency professional conduct panel determined that Trueman's actions constituted "misconduct of a serious nature" that put pupils at risk. Subsequently, David Oatley, on behalf of the Secretary of State, indefinitely banned Trueman from teaching, citing a lack of full insight and remorse, which suggested a risk of repeated behavior. The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust confirmed that Trueman is no longer employed by the school or the Trust.