Wolverhampton teacher who shot pupil with pellet gun is reinstated
A teacher who was sacked for shooting a pupil in the leg with a pellet gun during a freak accident in a science lesson has been reinstated.
An appeal has today ruled Richard West can return to St Peter's Collegiate School in Wolverhampton 'with immediate effect'.
Thousands of people showed their support for the popular physics teacher, who is head of science at the Compton Park School, on a Facebook page following his dismissal.
He was sacked earlier this year after a disciplinary hearing following the accidental shooting in November.
But supporters branded the decision a 'disgrace' and an appeal was lodged by Mr West.
Today, the academy school's governing body confirmed he had been reinstated after an appeal.
Mr West had been carrying out an experiment using an air gun during a science experiment.
But the pellet is believed to have ricocheted off a table and struck 17-year-old Ben Barlow in the leg, leaving him with a scratch.
The pupil was among those who called for Mr West to be reinstated.
Pupils past and present, as well as former staff members, said Mr West was an 'inspirational' teacher.
