TEACHERS' unions reacted angrily last night after a father who floored a headteacher was spared prison.

John Wilkinson, 28, attacked Michael Carter after accusing him of striking one of his daughters on the arm the previous afternoon, last November.

Durham Crown Court heard that Mr Carter, head of Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Primary School in Horden, east Durham, temporarily blacked out and needed hospital treatment for a broken left cheek bone, heavy bruising and a bloody nose. David Wilkinson, prosecuting, said Mr Carter, was upset at the unprovoked attack, which also damaged his glasses.

Wilkinson later gave himself up to police and made full admissions. He apologised, agreeing it was, "out of order", but told police he was annoyed at Mr Carter's reaction when he made his complaint.

Wilkinson claimed Mr Carter appeared to shrug and almost laugh it off, which "made him see red".

Jamie Adams, for Wilkinson, said: "He misinterpreted the response he got from Mr Carter and that made him act as he did."

Mr Adams said Wilkinson was anxious as his father was very ill at the time.

Wilkinson, 28, of Thorpe Crescent, Horden, admitted unlawful wounding.

Judge Tony Lancaster ordered Wilkinson to perform 100-hours' community punishment, and imposed an 18-month community rehabilitation order, in part to address anger management.

But he added: "That's not withstanding the principle that teachers deserve protection from assault from angry parents, whether or not they have justified grievances."

The court heard Wilkinson's complaint was looked into and no action is to be taken against Mr Carter.

Teaching unions last night called on courts to support school staff in the face of such attacks.

NAS/UWT general secretary Eamonn O'Kane said: "We look to the courts to give the utmost protection to teachers and head teachers carrying out their duty, and it's outrageous they are attacked in doing so.

"It does not appear in this case that the court has given that support."

National Union of Teachers' Durham divisional secretary Trevor Blacklock said: "We would seek the protection of courts to prevent such cases arising again."