MANCHESTER MUST TAKE BULLYING SERIOUSLY - FIRTH

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 20th May 2005

Manchester Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Simon Ashley has urged the Council to review its rules following a "happy slapping" incident in north Manchester.

Becky Smith, 16 was attacked by a fellow pupil at Plant Hill school. The school said it was a police matter because the attack took place outside school hours.

Cllr Ashley said today,

"I think the schools approach is unacceptable. My view is that any pupils suspected of a serious act like this should be suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation."

Cllr Ashley and Lib Dem Education spokesperson Alison Firth have written to Chief Education Officer Mick Waters asking him to consider whether the current rules are adequate. Cllr Firth said today,

"The Council and School are sending out the wrong message to would be bullies. If the victim is scared to go to school whilst the alleged perpetrators are in school, the Council and School have got it badly wrong somewhere."

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