Teacher admits hate campaign against staff after row over Facebook comments

A TEACHER who resigned after posting derogatory comments about pupils on Facebook went on to launch a campaign of hate against members of staff at her former school.

Nyanza Roberts and head teacher Debbie Johnson resigned their posts at Westcott Primary School in east Hull following the Facebook row.

During an exchange on the social networking site, Roberts accused east Hull residents of being "thick" and "inbred".

Roberts, 25, later went online and ordered chlamydia and DNA testing kits, which she sent to the homes of people connected with the school, including a member of staff she believed to be responsible for drawing attention to the Facebook postings.

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She has now pleaded guilty at Hull Magistrates' Court to using a public communication network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience and anxiety to another.

Her partner, Ms Johnson, 48, denies the same charge.

The pair, who now run a sweet shop in Newland Avenue, west Hull, resigned following a two-month investigation by Hull City Council and the school governors in December.

The women, both of east Hull, were involved in the Facebook conversation with two other teachers, in which insulting messages about children at the school and east Hull residents were posted.

It sparked outrage among parents in the community and Roberts was quickly suspended from the school.

A week later, Ms Johnson, the then head, was also suspended after an emotional public meeting in which parents vented their fury.

At the time, Ms Johnson said the comments had been taken out of context.

The thread was apparently started by teacher Stuart Clark, who simply

stated he was "fed up of bumping into children in town".

During the conversation, Roberts replied: "By town, do you mean top end of Holderness Road?

"That's about as far anyone in east Hull goes.

"No wonder everyone is thick ... inbreeding must damage brain development."

Ms Johnson then said: "You're really on one today mrs... !! Xx."

Roberts replied: "Haha, I'm actually in a good mood.

"If anyone reading this is offended, then get a grip."

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed at yesterday's court hearing it is due to review the evidence against Ms Johnson to decide whether to continue the case against her. Her solicitor Lindsey Kirk said her client claims Roberts was "totally responsible".

A trial date of August 22 has been set for Ms Johnson.

Prosecutor John Owston told the court: "There will be no prosecution witnesses required.

"It's intended the only defence witness who will be needed is the co-accused and we believe she will hold her hands up."

Roberts' solicitor Bill Waddington asked for his client to be sentenced but her case was adjourned until Ms Johnson's trial.

District Judge Fred Rutherford told her: "Miss Roberts, you can have the same bail and you must attend the court at the same time. If you do not attend a warrant will also be issued."