Chaplain resigns after hitting boy

The chaplain of Westminster School has resigned after slapping a pupil who was rude to him, it emerged today.

The Rev Thomas Huw Mordecai, who had been at the school for three years, offered his resignation immediately after the incident last month. He said: "I made a mistake which I deeply regret. I did my best to put it right, both for the sake of the school and the boy concerned."

The boy, who has not been named or identified by age, and his parents, are understood to have been upset by the incident-Headmaster Tristram Jones-Parry said he had been forced to accept the chaplain's resignation.

"The boy was rude to him and he hit him in anger," he added. "In this day and age one cannot have someone hitting people in anger, however much they regret it and however honourable they are to offer their resignation. If we're going to disapprove of boys hitting other boys, or somebody else, which we certainly do, then we can't have the same from a member of staff."

Mr Mordecai, 42, taught English and religious studies and coached the judo team at the £14,400-a-year school. Sigrid Scrimshire, whose 15-year-old son was in the judo team, said: "The whole episode is very sad. The Reverend was very popular with the boys and I had only heard good things about him.

"I think this was a one-off lapse and it is unfortunate that he felt he had to resign. I regret his going very much. My son had a lot of contact with him, the Reverend was his form teacher."

Westminster School, which can trace its origins to the 12th century, is one of the bestknown and most prestigious independent schools in the country. Former pupils include Tony Benn, Sir John Gielgud and Sir Peter Ustinov.

Last year the school was involved in scandal when Mr Jones-Parry suspended all 120 pupils of the upper sixth form after reports of widespread disorder involving drunkenness.