Plea over 'violent' pupils in classroom

Juveniles facing manslaughter charges are posing major safety risks by being allowed back into the classroom, it was claimed today.

At least five Northern Ireland teenagers accused of violence are awaiting trial after being freed on bail.

Teachers’ union leaders are now demanding urgent talks with Security Minister Jane Kennedy because of fears for safety in classrooms.

NASUWT regional official Tom McKee said: ‘‘Quite bluntly, we believe that the courts are using mainstream schools as a dumping ground.’’

The South Eastern Education Board has also voiced concerns over the implications of freeing the pupils on grievous bodily harm or manslaughter charges.

Mr McKee insisted the consequences of the policy have not been thought through.

‘‘Mainstream schools are not staffed or resourced to deal with their referrals,’’ he said.

‘‘It is unreasonable to expect them to deal with the safety problems which arise.’’

He said schools were now being asked to pay the price for a short-sighted Northern Ireland Office policy of cutting back on Juvenile Justice accommodation.

‘‘If urgent action is not taken by the minister to provide more appropriate provision for young people facing these charges, there is going to be a very serious incident in schools.’’