A DECISION to suspend a teacher on full pay for nine years - at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds to the taxpayer - has been defended by Bury Council.

English teacher Anthony McNally was suspended from Woodhey High School in Bury in March, 1995, after a 15-year-old pupil made an unproven claim of "inappropriate touching".

The ensuing seven-year legal battle finally ended last week when an out-of-court settlement was reached between Mr McNally, 54, and Bury council.

His nine years off work is believed to be the longest time a teacher has been suspended in Britain. Some estimate it has cost £1 million in wages and legal fees. Council chief executive Mark Sanders said it was "a complex matter" and insisted the council acted "within the framework and the parameters of the law".

He added: "The individual is innocent until proven guilty and this is respected in the legally binding agreement that has been made."

Mr McNally, of Tottington, refused to comment.

Despite being cleared by police, he was barred when the council, and then the Department of Education, demanded another inquiry. It also found no improper conduct. Education secretary David Blunkett agreed to a third inquiry in March 1999.

Mr McNally sought a judicial review which he won at the Court of Appeal in February 2001.

He remained on full pay after further allegations were made.

These were dismissed by police and another council inquiry was held.