TEACHERS say they are 'extremely angry and dismayed' at national newspaper reports of the inquest into pupil Shaun Noonan's death. The hearing, held in Chester on Friday, was reported widely in Sunday's papers. And his death was directly linked to bullying he had been suffering at Sutton High School. But headteacher Chris Needham said: 'Everyone at the school is devastated by this suggestion, which was certainly not the coroner's finding. 'We did everything possible to help Shaun and each of four incidents reported to us were dealt with according to our anti-bullying policy. 'The last of these incidents occurred on February 21 - over two months before his death. 'Since then he'd appeared perfectly happy and told us repeatedly - once in front of his mother - that things were fine. 'On the day of his death he spent a normal day in school and had stayed behind at computer club. 'Over the previous weekend he'd spent an enjoyable time away in North Wales with the air cadets.' Mrs Needham said the school was unaware of the 'happy slapping' event mentioned at the inquest. Nor was she aware of any request by the Noonans to have Shaun moved to another school. She added: 'Staff at this school were extremely upset at Shaun's death. He was a likeable boy. 'We spent a great deal of time in attempting to overcome any problems he may have had, as we would have done with any pupil. 'It seems as though bullying at school is being blamed for his death, although this was not the finding of the coroner and without any direct evidence, simply because bullying is a topical subject. That is desperately unfair.' Joan Feenan, acting director of county children's services, said: 'We have no record of any request from Shaun's parents for a transfer of school. 'There was a request on behalf of his sister - after Shaun's death - and this was granted. 'We have examined the school's records of each incident and have no criticism of the actions taken. 'However, we understand his parents' distress, and if they have concerns about the way we have dealt with these issues we would discuss the matter with them as soon as possible.' She added: 'We were one of the first authorities in the UK to initiate its own anti-bullying policy and I assure parents that dealing with this issue is always a major priority.' | 
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