Teacher from Bridgnorth who shot pupil with pellet gun is reinstated
An "inspirational" teacher from Bridgnorth who was sacked for shooting a pupil with a pellet gun when a science experiment went wrong has been reinstated.
Richard West will return to teaching "with immediate effect" after the decision was overturned at an appeal.
More than 4,500 people showed their support for Mr West via a Facebook group following his dismissal from St Peter's Collegiate School in Wolverhampton at the end of January.
But a hearing was held yesterday following an appeal by Mr West and the decision was overturned.
A statement from the academy school's governing body said: "The Appeals Committee made the decision to reinstate Mr West with the immediate effect."
The statement added: "In being reinstated Mr West has given assurances that lessons have been learned, he will ensure complete compliance with all safety procedures and controlled conditions and ensure the correct reporting procedures are followed."
The freak accident happened during a science experiment and left a 17-year-old pupil with a scratch to the leg.
It happened in November last year and Mr West, the head of physics, was sacked following a disciplinary hearing.
During the accident it is believed the pellet rebounded off a table and hit pupil Ben Barlow in the leg.
Ben was among those who called for Mr West to be reinstated.
Pupils past and present had shown their support for Mr West with many calling him "inspirational".
Many took to social media today to welcome the decision.
One Facebook user called Jade Jackson said: "That's incredible news, very happy that Mr West will be back where he's meant to be . . . inspiring the next generation of scientists."
Alison Jackson wrote: "I'm thrilled. Common sense prevailed. Hope he can put it behind him and get back to the job he loves."
Facebook user Vicki Parsons added it was a 'fantastic result'.
"I've been following this and it's a fantastic result for the school pupils, Mr West and indeed common sense- how he must feel seeing your support and commitment to see him back at work must be overwhelming," she said.
