Teacher Ordered Schoolboy, 10, To Remove Wristband Worn In Honour Of Murdered Soldier Lee Rigby

Teacher Ordered Schoolboy, 10, To Remove Wristband Worn In Honour Of Murdered Soldier Lee Rigby
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A mum claims a teacher ordered her 10-year-old son to take off a wristband in honour of murdered soldier Lee Rigby because it could cause offence.

Tracy Tew said schoolboy Charlie was put on a report card at Maldon Primary School in Essex after he refused to take off a Help for Heroes charity rubber bracelet.

Charlie bought the wristband at the Colchester Military Festival to honour Drummer Rigby as well armed forces personnel in his family, including his great-granddad and uncle. Tracy, 38, told her local paper: "We are really proud of Charlie for sticking to his guns. He wanted to keep it on and he didn't agree with the reasons why he shouldn't.

"When the teacher said she was worried it was going to offend people, I thought it was disgusting. Our family are up in arms because we are all military minded.

"With what happened with Lee Rigby, Charlie really wanted to wear a wristband."

Drummer Rigby, 25, was killed by two Islamic fanatics in Woolwich, south-east London, in May last year. Michael Adebolajo, 29, and Michael Adebowale, 22, were jailed for the murder last month.

Headteacher Tracy Thornton insisted wearing wristbands is against the school's jewellery policy.

She said: "They are not allowed to wear jewellery, and that includes wristbands, for health and safety reasons because they could get caught.

"I can't comment on what one particular teacher said, but for the general perspective of the school, the children are not allowed to wear jewellery except small silver studs and watches, which have to be taken off for PE."

Bryn Parry, co-founder and CEO of Help for Heroes, told MailOnline: "A school's uniform policy is a matter for the principal and governors. However, over 6million wristbands are proudly being worn in support of our wounded servicemen and women, including many wristbands on the frontline in Afghanistan.

"We have not heard of a single health and safety incident connected to them, nor have we ever had a complaint that they are offensive.

"We do also have a wonderful range of other items such as lapel badges for those who are keen to show their support for our wounded."