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Deputy head not to return after case

22 February 2013

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.

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