Head cleared of slapping girl

Pamela Mitchelhill has an unblemished record as a teacher

A head teacher has been cleared of assaulting a disruptive six-year-old pupil.

Pamela Mitchelhill, 50, denied slapping the girl on 1 April at Crocketts Lane Primary School in Smethwick, West Midlands.

Mrs Mitchelhill, of Pottery Road, Oldbury, was found not guilty on Tuesday after a two-day trial at Warley Magistrates' Court.

She had been accused of twice slapping the girl across the face after dragging her across a classroom floor.

The youngster, who cannot be named, has behavioural problems and had been one of Mrs Mitchelhill's pupils for only four days after being expelled from her previous two schools.

A nursery nurse told magistrates she saw the head teacher strike the six-year-old twice after being called to help three staff who could not control her.

'Appropriate reprimand'

Debbie Banner said she saw a red mark across the girl's face.

The incident was also witnessed by teacher Victoria Sargent.

Both women said they saw what happened from 13 metres away through a window partially obscured by children's art work.

Mrs Mitchelhill, who was described in court as an "exceptional" teacher, always maintained she had only turned the youngster's head to get her attention.

Chairman of the bench Roger Hewitson read out the verdict to the court, which was packed with Mrs Mitchelhill's family, friends and colleagues.

Mr Hewitson said: "We find that Mrs Mitchelhill drew the face round to her as part and parcel of an appropriate reprimand of the child.

I am delighted that the truth has been recognised in this case Pamela Mitchelhill

"From the distance given, it was seen by Debbie Banner and Victoria Sargent, and we find that they have misinterpreted the action of Mrs Mitchelhill."

Mrs Mitchelhill's lawyer had described the case as "wholly exceptional", because the pupil did not mention being assaulted during her police interview.

The girl also said she would appear as a witness for the defence rather than the prosecution.

Mrs Mitchelhill, who has an unblemished 29-year record as a teacher, led the school to the award of beacon status as a model of excellence.

As she left the court with her husband and two daughters, she told reporters: "I am delighted that the truth has been recognised in this case.

"I wish to thank my family, friends and professional colleagues who have supported me throughout this very difficult ordeal."