Hugh Reilly: Travesty of natural justice from a kangaroo court

JANET Garner’s successful appeal to the Court of Session is two fingers to the GTCS committee that struck her off – a V for Victory.

Given the appeal judges’ lambasting of the original decision, it’s fair to assume that many observers believe the disciplinary group pursued a V for Vendetta agenda against the appellant. According to the m’ludships, the verdict passed down by Mrs Garner’s peers was reached without looking at all the available evidence. It appears the committee donned blacks hats before assessing the material placed before them, a travesty of natural justice.

After the schadenfreude has dissipated, the teaching profession will demand answers from the crimson-faced GTCS. In my opinion, a possible explanation for its unseemly rush to judgment is political pressure to weed out the army of incompetent teachers that opportunistic politicians constantly tell us are stalking a classroom near you.

Mrs Garner provided objective evidence that was at odds with her kangaroo court’s subjective, damning verdict. She must now wait to see if the GTCS will renew proceedings against her. For her sake – and for the sake of whatever tad of integrity the GTCS retains – I hope she receives a fair hearing next time around.

• Hugh Reilly is a Scotsman columnist and former teacher.