THE deputy head teacher of St Bartholomew's Church of England
Primary School, Great Harwood, Lancashire, Roydon Cope, who was
cleared by magistrates at Accrington last August of striking an
unruly pupil, will not to return to his post, it has been
announced.
Mr Cope, who is 63, and taught at St Bartholomew's for more
than half of his 41-year teaching career, was suspended after the
incident last March which led to the allegation of common assault.
Local newspapers reported that parents who had supported him after
the suspension applauded after the "Not guilty" verdict was
announced in August.
A statement issued on behalf of St Bartholomew's head teacher,
Mark Mackley, said that Mr Cope had decided not to return to the
school, and his employment there ended on 31 January. A spokesman
for Blackburn diocese said that the diocese would be making no
further comment.