Teacher in bid to clear his name

David Bell received the backing of his union

A Country Antrim teacher at the centre of allegations of indecently assaulting a 12-year-old pupil six years ago is trying to clear his name.

The charges made by the schoolgirl turned out to be a fabrication.

However, David Bell was advised to plead guilty to a lesser charge of common assault for touching the girl's chin.

Mr Bell has obtained the backing of more than 70 assembly members and MPs in his fight to clear his name.

He is hoping to receive a pardon from the secretary of state which would mean the charge being wiped from his record.

Despite having been wrongly accused, Mr Bell has not worked as a teacher since 2002.