Former UTAS deputy vice chancellor Brigid Heywood in court on assault charge
A former University of Tasmania deputy vice chancellor has faced court in Armidale after an alleged assault incident involving a 16-year-old girl. Read the latest.
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A former University of Tasmania deputy vice chancellor has pleaded not guilty to common assault after an alleged incident involving a 16 year old girl in Armidale in March.
Brigid Heywood was deputy vice chancellor at the University of Tasmania between 2016 and 2019.
She started at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale in July 2019 as vice chancellor but recently resigned after criminal charges were laid against her.
On August 1, Prof. Heywood was charged with common assault and behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place or school.
The New South Wales Police Force said it received a report on March 17 that a girl had been assaulted during an event at the Armidale Ex-Services Club on March 8.
Police said the 16 year old girl at the centre of the allegation was not physically injured.
On Monday Prof. Heywood fronted the Armidale Local Court for the first time and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In a statement released on August 5, UNE Vice Chancellor James Harris said Prof. Heywood decided it was in the best interest of the university that she resign as Vice Chancellor.
“The University Council and Professor Heywood acknowledge the criminal charges laid against her on 1 August 2022, and the widespread attention and concern this has garnered within the University and the broader community,” Mr Harris said.
strenuously denied there was any truth to the charges.
“Both Prof. Heywood and the university council acknowledge the deep hurt felt by many on hearing of the charges, and thank the community for the patience shown as we worked through these matters.
“The University council wants to clearly state that it remains deeply committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for its students, staff and community at all times.
“Professor Heywood has advised the University Council she strenuously denies there is any truth to the charges and will defend them.”
Ms Heywood will return to court on November 14.
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