A 15-year-old rock music fan suspended from school for refusing to cut his long hair says he will not back down.
Grant Stranaghan, a GCSE student at Ballyclare High, was suspended for three days last week for having collar-length hair.
Upon his return, he was excluded from class for still not getting a hair cut.
His father George said: "I could have cried when he told me what they did to him - they put him in a room and threw work at him, no contact with anyone."
"This is Northern Ireland in 2007. Solitary confinement, I think it's called - he did say he got plenty of work done, but I don't think it's fair."
"I would be depressed without my hair"
Year 11 pupil and rock music fan Grant told the BBC's Nolan Show that his long hair is a crucial part of his personal identity.
"I don't see why I should get my hair cut for them - it is my hair, my natural appearance and I don't think it's within their right to tell me to get my hair cut.
"I would be depressed without my hair - I've had it cut short before and I feel really bad for weeks afterwards, it's not a good experience."
School principal David Knox said there was never any intention to cause a stand-off.
He said Grant had been suspended because he was in breach of school regulations, adding that he would discuss the matter further with Mr Stranaghan.
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