By James Simons-
An unruly father with mental health issues who aggressively filmed teachers at close range, called one an “arse” and grabbed another’s wrist while hundreds of children left school at the end of the day, has been sentenced
Alexander Kendrew, 31, of Nelson Street in Queensbury, was sentenced at Keighley and Bradford Magistrates Court to 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) for three counts of using threatening, abusive and insulting words and behaviour with intent to cause fear of, or provoke, unlawful violence.
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His unruly display was vented at three teachers outside Trinity Academy Bradford, in Deanstones Lane, Queensbury, as students left at 2.30pm on April 26 this year.
Kendrew pleaded guilty to the offences at the first opportunity on June 24.
The court heard that Kendrew went to the school attended by his son because he had an issue with an unauthorised absence fine imposed on him by the authorities of the school.
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Kendrew argued through his legal representatives that he felt aggrieved because his son had been assaulted at school and he felt the situation had not been dealt with properly.
He said: “It’s clear from the prosecution there’s obviously been some issue at school.
“The defendant’s son had been assaulted and the defendant felt it had not been dealt with properly and that’s why he found himself at the school.”
The followed the decision of the school to send children home, which eventually required staff evacuating hundreds of pupils from the school who appeared to be sluggish in following the instructions.
One of the teachers, Leam Dyson, told the court that a commotion involving Kendrew “kicked off” in the presence of those children, and that he was approached by the parent who was recording him on his mobile phone and using threatening behaviour.
Mr Dyson asked Kendrew to move away to safeguard the children and said the defendant then aggressively shoved the phone in his face saying: “What do you think about this, do you think it’s alright to fine me?”
Kendrew was asked to leave again and then said “you are an arse”, and made comments about a separate incident that happened previously at the school.
The court heard another teacher, Chris Langley, then spoke about the fine and tried to encourage Kendrew to leave the school premises – but he continued to film.
Kendrew also made physical contact with Mr Langley and grabbed the teacher’s wrist.
School principal, Tom Taylor, also said he was subjected to abuse by Mr. Dyson, who put him in fear of immediate unlawful violence.
Mr Kendrew’s defence team argued that Mr. Dyson, who is a single parent of two children, suffers from mental health issues, which affected his behaviour.
He said Kendrew’s mental health issues are preventing him from working currently and he is on benefits.
Mental health issues is a common problem with many parents of school pupils. often affecting their ability to provide good guidance and discipline.
However, mental health issues affects one in four people in the Uk, and affect people at different levels. Mental health issues can be regulated, and not all parents with mental health issues behave irrationally when dealing with school authorities.
The magistrates imposed a 20-day RAR order which must be completed within the next 12 months.
The court awarded no costs, as Kendrew already has a “big tab” of £1,800 to pay for road traffic matters, and rejected claims for compensation.
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