School janitor spends four days in hospital after pupil throws stone at her head

Jul 6 2008 By Rob Mckay

A SCHOOL janitor suffered a serious head injury when a pupil hit her with a stone.

Janice Mitchell was struck during a lunch break at Cargenbridge Primary in Dumfries.

She spent four days in hospital undergoing tests, including a brain scan.

Council officials say there was "nothing malicious" about the incident but Janice wants a full probe.

The shocked caretaker still suffers severe headaches and pins and needles down one arm two weeks after the incident.

Janice, who has worked at the 90-pupil school for 18 years, said: "If it had been one of the kids it could have killed them.

"I was in a terrible state after I was hit. I had been talking to one of the staff and then I turned round. I was hit on the head and I could hear laughing. There have been cases of bullying at the school and also outside and it has to stop.

"I have had so many messages of sympathy and some parents are starting a petition to get something done. I think the community council is also concerned about what is going on."

Her husband Andy added: "We don't consider there was nothing malicious about this incident. My wife is convinced the stone was thrown. We are determined it won't be swept under the carpet. The injuries were internal and treated seriously.

"Parents were devastated and they want action. We want this properly investigated and something done about the culprit."

Dumfries and Galloway Council said: "Preliminary investigations indicate there was nothing malicious about the incident. However, inquiries are continuing."

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