Trial for teacher accused of assault

Hazel Dick will stand trial in Peterborough in the new year

A teacher at a Cambridgeshire school has denied an allegation of religiously aggravated assault against a pupil.

Hazel Dick, 43, of Squires Gate, Peterborough, is accused of forcing an Asian girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to remove a Muslim headscarf.

She appeared at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday for a plea and directions hearing.

Mrs Dick, who works at Bretton Woods Community School, in Bretton, Peterborough, pleaded not guilty to the assault which was alleged to have taken place on 26 March 2003.

She was granted unconditional bail while a date for her trial at Peterborough Crown Court was arranged.