Class assistant cleared over needle charges

Jul 6 2008 By David Taylor & Steve Dinneen

A TEACHING assistant probed by police over claims she stuck a needle into children is back in the classroom.

Karen Girdwood, 43, was suspended after being accused of jabbing at least four P1 pupils.

After treating a diabetic girl, she allegedly asked the kids at Laurieston Primary in Falkirk if they wanted "to see what it feels like".

A parent raised the alarm after her child asked: "Am I diabetic?"

Police were called and charged Girdwood with assault after interviewing her and several youngsters. She was suspended while her bosses investigated.

But the Crown Office have decided there is no case to answer and Girdwood, of Polmont, was allowed back to her job.

The incident happened when she was left in charge as the teacher took other pupils on a school trip in November.

One girl claimed she was left bleeding for more than an hour after she was jabbed in the thumb.

Mum-of-two Girdwood refused to comment. Falkirk Council said: "An employee was suspended and, following a thorough internal investigation, was subsequently reinstated to their normal duties."