‘Teen-slap’ assistant cleared

A TEACHING assistant was left suicidal after being dragged through the courts accused of slapping a severely disabled teenage girl.

Jean Massey appeared at Oldham Magistrates’ Court yesterday accused of assaulting the 18-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer last September.

The 53 year old, who worked at Newbridge School, Fitton Hill, for nine years, was found not guilty by magistrates amid doubt over evidence given by two of her co-workers.

After the trial Ms Massey, who had been accused of slapping the teen across the forehead, said her life had been thrown into turmoil by the case.

“I’ve been through hell in the last six months,” she said. “I was suicidal. I couldn’t eat or sleep. But I’ve really had a lot of support from my friends and family. I couldn’t have got through this without them.

“I felt betrayed. I couldn’t go back after this. I’ve moved completely out of the care sector. I wouldn’t feel safe there at all if this is what they thought I was capable of.”

The court heard how Ms Massey had been helping two co-workers fit a hoist to lift the girl out of her wheelchair. The girl’s severe behavioural problems mean she often spits, kicks, grabs and pinches staff when they come into close contact with her. Ms Massey was alleged to have carried out the assault when the girl tried to bite her.

The court heard the teen had been rocking in her chair. Ms Massey was holding her hand out to tell her to stop biting when the girl’s head hit the teaching assistant’s hand. Magistrates said there was en element of doubt over the evidence given.

Mrs Massey added: “I obviously had to tell people what had happened and I was worried whether I’d ever be employed again. I had to rely on the people closest to me to help me. I’m relieved it’s all over now.”