Bruce Robert Arnott, 62, has been charged with wilfully and obscenely exposing himself in Lavington near the Northside Hotel last Wednesday afternoon.

He plans to fight that matter, but has already pleaded guilty to negligently lighting a grass and scrub fire after his burning of rubbish at Mungabareena Reserve on Friday went awry.

Arnott has worked at Glenroy Public School over many years in different periods with principal Sean Scott writing in a newsletter last February “this year we are privileged to welcome Bruce Arnott back to the school in a teaching role”.

However, Arnott will not be returning to Glenroy Public School when students begin their studies for 2019, according to the NSW Department of Education. 

“Until the matters before the court are resolved, Mr Arnott will not be in a position where he has direct contact with children in schools,” a department spokesman said.

“Once the court matters are finalised, the Department of Education will consider his future as a teacher.”

Arnott is due to return to court on February 25, when he will also answer charges of breaching an apprehended violence order against his ex-partner.

He has indicated he will contest the legality of being naked in public areas. Arnott’s alleged behaviour has shocked the school community and tennis players with him having been an East Albury club stalwart.

Former students and parents wrote glowingly of Arnott’s character in Facebook comments responding to The Border Mail article reporting his legal plight. 

“He was my favourite teacher in primary school and is one of the kindest men I have ever met, it really makes me sad that this has happened to him,” Tash Kramer wrote.

Father James Owens commented: “The amount of work he has done in teaching my children and many others to achieve their goals is to be commended and I hope he gets the help he needs to get back on his feet.”

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Glenroy Public School Parents and Citizens Association president Narelle Vogel declined to comment on the matter.

Others to respond to the story about Arnott’s appearances in court speculated that mental health problems had driven his alleged behaviour.

Two solicitors who represented Arnott in his different appearances did not focus on mental difficulties as part of applying for bail.

The defence lawyer on Friday did say Arnott, who is homeless, had recently undergone surgery and easily became hot and that was a factor in his behaviour.

Arnott is also facing a drink-driving charge after being found motoring along Doctors Point Road.