Following the verdict of not guilty in respect of the charges of assault brought against teacher Lynda May in the Swansea Crown Court her union NUT Cymru has called into question the whole process that sees experienced professionals pulled through the stress and anxiety of a very public trial.

Having supported Mrs May at court Wales Secretary of the NUT David Evans said:

“The teaching profession has become one of the most highly regulated professions of all. Whilst we agree that allegations of assault against a pupil should be investigated a common sense approach should be adopted at the earliest possible stages with regard to the evidence that has been heard, the circumstances and the character of the persons involved.

“In this particular case our member Lynda May is a teacher of some 33 years standing with an otherwise unblemished record. The fact that throughout her ordeal she has received hundreds of messages of support from former pupils and parents bears testimony to the esteem in which they hold her. The incident complained of was no more than an unfortunate accident that has seen a dedicated professional face criminal charges that could ultimately have resulted in the loss of her livelihood and has already had significant effects upon her health and wellbeing and the stress and anxiety of her family.

“Common sense did eventually prevail in this case but Lynda May has become the latest victim of a process that is fundamentally flawed and sees professionals subject to an agonising process before being vindicated.

“Lynda May is relieved to be able to put this court issue behind her and is currently taking time with her family to reflect upon the effects that this court case has had upon her.