THE head of a special unit for problem pupils has denied assaulting one of the students.

Eve Ritchie-Fallon, pictured, currently suspended from her role at the Forest Education Centre at Dibden, entered a not guilty plea when she made an appearance at New Forest Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The case was adjourned until October, when a two-day trial will take place at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

Ritchie-Fallon, 56, of Long Close, Pennington, is alleged to have assaulted a 15-year-old boy at the education centre last November