Teacher bit three-year-old

Woodeson taught at independent Stretton School

A teacher who bit a three-year-old boy on the arm has been given a conditional discharge by magistrates in Norwich.

Mary-Ann Woodeson pleaded guilty to common assault.

Norwich Magistrates Court was told the teacher had resigned and written a letter of apology to the child's parents following the assault at Stretton School on 11 July.

The court heard how the 49-year-old had wanted to show the child that biting was wrong.

'Bruising and swelling'

Woodeson became involved when a boy came to her crying saying he had been bitten by another pupil.

In Woodeson's defence it was said that the teacher had wanted to show the three-year-old pupil that biting was not acceptable behaviour.

Woodeson then bit the boy, leaving a small oval mark on his arm with some bruising and swelling.

Giving her a 12-month conditional discharge, chairman of the bench Jill Irving said Woodeson was in a position of authority and trust as a teacher but it was an impulsive action which caused minor injury.

Woodeson was ordered to pay £30 to her victim and £35 costs.