Police get hate mail over teacher

Police are reminding people that a judge sent Walker to jail

Police have received hate mail following the jailing of a teacher who fired a pellet gun at youths.

Linda Walker shot at teenagers outside her home in Urmston, Manchester, last August, claiming they were responsible for a spate of vandalism.

Officers have received letters and emails from people angry at Walker's six-month sentence.

They have also been bombarded by phone calls from people criticising their action following her imprisonment.

At her trial Walker said her family and home had been plagued by anti-social behaviour from the "yobs", but she was jailed after being found guilty of affray and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear and violence.

'Misinformation'

She told police she had received nuisance phone calls abusing her family, her garden shed was broken into, and her garden and car were vandalised.

Walker, who teaches children with behavioural problems, received much public sympathy and her case was even taken up by Tory leader Michael Howard.

She is on a hunger strike at Styal Jail in Cheshire after failing to be released on bail on Wednesday while she appeals against her conviction.

But police on Thursday stood firm and defended their action against Walker.

Chief Superintendent Andy Holt, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "There have been a lot of letters written about Linda Walker's case that are based on misinformation and inaccuracy.

"I want to correct those inaccuracies and give people the opportunity to hear the basic facts of the investigation."

Mr Holt pointed out a jury had found Walker guilty and a judge had jailed her - the police had played no part in either decision.