Staffordshire Headteacher Cleared of Assaulting Unruly Pupil

A Staffordshire headteacher has been cleared of assaulting and causing criminal damage to the hoodie of an unruly pupil.

The 14-year-old complainant's account, which was rejected by District Judge Kevin Grego, was that headteacher Aidan Smith had grabbed and pulled at his clothing, which resulted in his hoodie being ripped.

Mr Smith's account was that he had put his hand out to restrain the boy because he feared for the safety of other pupils; the boy's hoodie was damaged as he tried to pull away.

Judge Grego, presiding over the two-day trial at North Staffordshire Justice Centre, came down firmly in agreement with the headteacher's version of events.

The Judge said: "He has given an account which notably is consistent with what he originally said to the police."

Speaking of the 57-year-old headteacher's actions, the Judge added: "How else was he to react?

"Whatever (the boy's) behaviour was about, he was presenting a risk of injury to himself and others.

"I find that Mr Smith didn't assault the boy, nor did he commit the offence of criminal damage."

The Judge also questioned the truthfulness of the boy's evidence, some of which "didn't chime" with the rest of his account. He observed that the boy was "woefully short" of the ability to reflect on his own behaviour.

Taking the unusual step of ordering that Mr Smith's defence costs be paid out of central funds, the Judge noted: "If I considered any fault at all accrued to Mr Smith I would not make a costs order, which is what I do."

Given that the complainant in this case is a child, the reporting of the trial is understandably circumspect so as not to risk his identification.

I think it can be reasonably deduced that Judge Grego was not the least bit impressed by the quality, consistency or credibility of the boy's account. Of course he can't just come out and say it, but I get the distinct impression that the Judge thinks the boy has told a pack of lies.

I really hope no lasting damage has been done to the career or good reputation of Mr Smith, but sadly I suspect his confidence will have taken a battering and he will always be fearful of the next unfounded allegation that might be heading in his direction.

Nothing will happen, of course, to the boy who cannot be named for legal reasons.

I am really pleased that the local media has reported this outcome, because all too often the emphasis is on convictions.