A TEACHER at a special school in the North-East yesterday denied an allegation of cruelty to a child in his care.

Malcolm Phillips, 50, suspended from a special school in Wearside, pleaded not guilty to child cruelty, alleged to have taken place on September 30, 1999.

During the same hearing at Durham Crown Court, the school principal, 54-year-old Patricia Watson, denied intimidating a witness, between February and July last year.

Proceedings against both were adjourned to April.

Mr Phillips, of Mowbray Close, and Ms Watson, of Melvyn Close, Roker, both Sunderland, were granted bail pending the next hearing.