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PRESS RELEASE
Update on pupil whose father is suing school
Despite Thorns Community College being vilified in local and national press last month concerning
the systematic bullying of a pupil which has led to her father suing the school, Parents Against
Bullying At Thorns (PABAT) advise that things have not got any better.
The year 10 pupil made national headlines when her father started legal action against Thorns over
bullying of his daughter, claiming the cost of self defence classes, in a UK first. The case is shortly to
be heard before a Judge in the Small Claims Court, although PABAT can report that the bullying has
continued unabated.
The father, who has to remain anonymous to protect his daughters identity advises, Nobody from
the school has been in touch with me regarding (his daughter) and the bullying she has experienced.
I wasnt expecting an apology but some form of acknowledgment of the problems she has been
experiencing would have been welcomed. He continued, I recently had an unrelated meeting with
several of the Governors and when the subject turned to the bullying issue, Vice-Chair Mr Laurence
Washbrook actually asked me why I hadnt moved my daughter to another school.
The father explained to PABAT that since the story broke in local and national media, his daughter
has had upsetting graffiti scrawled on toilet doors about her, saying (daughters name) lied about
having cancer and has also had an unknown liquid thrown in her face, by a fellow pupil whose
name regularly featured in reports of bullying to school leaders.
Explaining his contact with the school of late, the father advises that he contacted the school
regarding the upsetting graffiti which he was assured by Vice Principal Gary Baker, had been
removed. Sadly, the following day, classmates of the year 10 pupil were able to photograph the
graffiti (attached). Concerning the unidentified liquid, the father said, I contacted the school as the
pupil concerned has regularly targeted my daughter. The Principal was quite flippant and said the
advice I would offer is that should you wish to pursue a prosecution you should contact the police.
Interim Chairman of PABAT, Luke said, The graffiti about cancer is particularly distressing, although
fortunately, this pupil has never suffered with this illness. Concerning the unknown liquid, we would

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have expected a more robust approach from the school, particularly the Principal, given that the
liquid could have been anything, including urine or even acid from the science labs.
Luke continued, Clearly an element of the school is out of control and the leaders of Thorns still
seem unable, or unwilling to address their unacceptable behaviour.
The case against the school is shortly to be heard by the Small Claims Court.

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Attached Photograph of graffiti (redacted)
Attached Email from Principal suggesting contact with police (redacted)
Press Officer xx, 07x xx xx
6 June 2016

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