Teacher cleared of sex charges

A head teacher has walked free from court after being cleared of sexually assaulting a pupil more than 15 years ago.

A jury at Nottingham Crown Court took just over half an hour to find Boyd Chapman, 53, not guilty of all six counts of indecent assault against a former pupil.

Mr Chapman, of Pentwood Avenue, Arnold, was appointed as a "super head" at the failing Henry Mellish Comprehensive in Bulwell in November 2000.

The former pupil, now 29, claimed they had an affair, starting when he was just 13.

But Mr Chapman's barrister told the court that the former pupil was manipulative and deceitful.

He had confessed to stealing £23,000 from his employer and had made up a story involving Mr Chapman to avoid prison, the court heard.

Mr Chapman declined to comment as he left the court.