Muslim mum sues 'racist' school

A Muslim mother suing a private school over a racism claim tried to elicit her line manager's support through "emotional blackmail", a court heard.

Aliya Smethurst, 37, originally from Pakistan, is suing St Christopher's School in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.

Mrs Smethurst's line manager, Jonathan Runswick-Cole, told Swindon County Court a row had broken out between a parent and Mrs Smethurst.

He said she tried to elicit his support in a phone call. The case continues.

Mr Runswick-Cole, who acted as the school's deputy head pastoral, said he had to mediate in the row.

Mrs Smethurst and her husband Patrick, 40, were employed as joint house parents at the preparatory school's Naish boarding house at the time in 2001.

I felt I was being asked to join her side and that if I did not, then... I would be hurt, perhaps not physically but in terms of sensibilities Jonathan Runswick-Cole

She alleges she was victimised after lodging complaints regarding her son's treatment and is suing the school's trust for damages.

Previously the court heard her son was called "mud face" and punched and kicked on a regular basis while a pupil at St Christopher's.

The court also heard about difficulties with some pupils and how cleaning staff had refused to speak to Mrs Smethurst at one point.

Mr Runswick-Cole said in June 29, 2001, at the height of a dispute between Mr and Mrs Smethurst and the school, he had a telephone conversation.

Mrs Smethurst urged him to "join the winning side," he said.

He said: "I felt I was being asked to join her side and that if I did not, then life would become more difficult for me, that I would be hurt, perhaps not physically but in terms of sensibilities."

He said by the end of the case, there was a "torrid" atmosphere in the town, and he encouraged the couple in their decision to move to a private school in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

He added that while he did not deny Mrs Smethurst had grievances, "sometimes things could be a little blown out of proportion".

The case continues.