Anne Maguire murder: Man charged over online abuse

A 42-YEAR-OLD man will appear in court today charged with “malicious communications” following the murder of teacher Ann Maguire. West Yorkshire Police said Robert Riley, from Port Talbot, South Wales, was charged yesterday and will appear before magistrates in Leeds today.

Ann Maguire, 61, was murdered in her classroom at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds a week ago. Picture: PA

Riley is the second person to be charged with the offence in the wake of the death of Mrs Maguire, who was stabbed to death in her classroom at Corpus Christi Catholic College, in the city, a week ago.

Jake Newsome, 21, from the Harehills area of Leeds, was released on bail after being charged for the alleged abuse, officers said.

He is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 14.

Mrs Maguire died after she was attacked during a Spanish lesson at the school where she had taught for more than 40 years. She was due to retire in September.

The killing is thought to be the first time a teacher has been stabbed to death in a British classroom and the first murder of a teacher in a school since the 1996 Dunblane massacre.

Yesterday, prayers were said for Mrs Maguire and her family.

Deacon Sean Quigley included the family of the 15-year-old boy charged with murdering the 61-year-old in his homily at Corpus Christi Church in Leeds which is attached to the school.

Consoled by messages from around the world

Mr Quigley, a retired teacher at the college who knows the Maguire family, told the congregation: “The school, staff and pupils have been consoled by messages from around the world and by many gifts of flowers, and also of food and books.

“The family of the young man involved also have been consoled in their great distress by the messages of love they have received.”

A 100m-long shrine of floral tributes now connects the church with the school gates.

A book of condolence has also been opened at the cathedral in Leeds for those who want to express their sympathies.

Later today, past and present pupils from Corpus Christi are expected to gather on the field opposite the school to remember Mrs Maguire and mark a week since her death.

• A 15-year-old boy appeared in court last week charged with mother-of-two Mrs Maguire’s murder and was remanded in custody.

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• Family face boy accused of murder