Jailed British teacher appeals for tolerance in Sudan

The British teacher jailed in Sudan for insulting Islam appealed for tolerance tonight in a conversation with her son – her first remarks since being detained for allowing her pupils to name a teddy bear Mohammed.

Gillian Gibbons, 54, received a 15-day sentence yesterday on the insult charge, but a judge acquitted her of inciting hatred and spared her the more serious punishment of 40 lashes. Her son, John, said she appeared to be in good spirits during a telephone call tonight.