Ex-pupil who glassed teacher to be sentenced
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A former pupil who glassed a primary school headteacher following a chance encounter will be sentenced today.
Jermaine Bullen, 26, spotted Kieran Heakin through the window of an Indian restaurant as he dined with friends and then went inside and smashed two glasses into his face.
Bullen committed the attack in the Kapana restaurant in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, last February because he was said to have a grudge against his ex-head.
Mr Heakin, 58, had joined two other headteachers for a curry to celebrate the start of Lent the next day.
The current head of St John's RC Primary School in Burnley, Lancashire, who has taught for 35 years, suffered serious facial injuries and broken ribs.
He was taken to hospital with fractures to his jaw, eye socket, cheekbone and nose.
He has since returned to school but is not thought to have fully recovered from his injuries.
Following the attack, the former Mayor of Whitworth, who lives in Rochdale, said he forgave Bullen.
He said: "Worse things happen to other people, I practise forgiveness.
"I'm a Christian, I'm a committed Catholic. I offer the boy forgiveness, I don't feel bitter and twisted about it.
"I meet a lot of ex-pupils and I get a great welcome."
Bullen, of Sparth, Rochdale, admitted at an earlier hearing to wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
Sentencing takes place at Bolton Crown Court from 12.30pm.