Teacher cleared of assault
A science teacher was yesterday cleared of assaulting a pupil.
Hazel Dick had been accused of forcibly removing an Islamic headscarf from one of her students.
A jury at Peterborough Crown Court took just an hour to decide on a unanimous not guilty verdict.
Mrs Dick, head of science at Bretton Woods Community School, denied the charges against her.
Fifteen-year-old Seleena Sabeel claimed she was left with an injured neck when Mrs Dick pulled off her hijab and called Islam a “joke”.
The court heard that Ms Sabeel had a long history of indiscipline, while Mrs Dick had an unblemished record during her 16 years as a schoolteacher.
Mrs Dick was supported during her trial by the National Union of Teachers (NUT).
Welcoming the verdict NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy said her case highlighted the threat posed to teachers by malicious and unfounded allegations.
“Pupils or parents making such false allegations must face action to deter copycat behaviour from others,” he said.
John Gribble, headteacher at Bretton Woods Community School, said he hoped his “esteemed colleague” would now be able to resume her career.
