KEY POINTS:
The trial of a Masterton teacher who was last night cleared of indecency charges against a pupil will have a negative effect on the profession's appeal as a career, the school's principal says.
Masterton Intermediate deputy principal Russell Thompson was yesterday acquitted by a Wellington District Court jury on two charges of committing indecent acts on a 12-year-old pupil.
It was alleged he touched the girl's bottom on the outside of her clothes on a number of occasions when they were alone. It was also alleged he bent down and kissed her on the mouth.
Mr Thompson had strong support throughout the trial from family and many of his work colleagues, including the school's principal Frazer Mailman.
Many took the stand as character witnesses and spoke about Mr Thompson's high standing among his peers and popularity with the school's pupils.
Mr Mailman told Radio Live today incidents such as the one in question had a negative impact on all teachers - particularly males.
"I believe it has a significant impact in terms of the numbers of male teachers that are in our teaching force," he said.
Mr Thompson was initially stood down as deputy principal following the May 4 allegations and then suspended while the investigation took place.
Mr Mailman said Mr Thompson had been uncertain about returning to his role after what he had been through but the school was encouraging him to do so.
The drawn out investigation and trial had not benefited anyone, he said.
"There have been no winners in this case ... for the last seven months he has had to endure the stress of being charged with something he has emphatically denied".
Mr Mailman said he was relieved about the not guilty verdict and was sure the students and school community would feel the same way.
"He is one of the pillars of our school and we hold him in very high regard."
- NZPA
