Muslim 'scarf assault' trial collapses

Hazel Dick denied religiously aggravated common assault

The trial of a teacher who was accused of pulling a scarf from the head of a Muslim pupil has collapsed.

Hazel Dick, 43, denied religiously aggravated assault after she was accused of tugging a hijab off a 16-year-old pupil and causing a safety pin to scratch her neck.

A jury at Peterborough Crown Court starting hearing evidence in the case on Monday.

But on Tuesday, the case against the head of science at Bretton Woods Community School, Peterborough, collapsed.

Judge Nicholas Coleman halted the trial and discharged the jury following a series of legal discussions between lawyers.

The incident is alleged to have happened in March last year.

A new trial has been ordered for 8 March 2004.