A JUDGE yesterday ordered a retrial in the case of a teacher accused of slapping a pupil.

District Judge Michael Wood abandoned the trial of science teacher Ron Harbottle following legal arguments at Consett Magistrates' Court, County Durham.

He said he felt the "rug was pulled" from under him when statements he was not expecting were presented to the court.

The case was adjourned for a pre-trial review on May 31 so another judge can be appointed to hear it at a later date.

It was the third day of the trial of Mr Harbottle, 56, of Killingworth, North Tyneside, who has worked at the school in the Chester-le-Street area for 32 years.

He denies common assault on a 12-year-old boy by slapping his face on November 3, 2003.

The court was told earlier by a pupil that Mr Harbottle grabbed him by the neck, pushed him four or five times against a wall and slapped his face.

But the defence said the allegations were concocted by a group of 12-year-olds to disgrace the teacher.

Mr Harbottle, who is still working at the school, was granted unconditional bail.