Robber ‘who went on run’ after funeral facing trial

Ms Wallace says the new system is proving to be a huge hit with staff and students, as well as parents.

“We have our greeting time every morning,” she said.

“The person who is the greeter changes each day on our job chart. There have been a few fist-bumps, lots of highfives, but mostly the pupils are hugging it out.

“The excitement this has generated has been great and it is so funny, but lovely to watch, in the mornings.

“The pupils seem to really love our new greeting time every morning.

“Our P1s are definitely feeling loved and cared about, which is the most important thing.” A CONVICTED armed robber is to stand trial for allegedly going on the run during a temporary release from prison.

Sean Tate appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court charged with being unlawfully at large for a 10-day period earlier this year.

The 42-year-old, with an address at Westrock Grove in the west of the city, is serving a sentence for armed robbery and burglary offences.

In January he was granted temporary release from HMP Magilligan to attend his grandmother’s funeral. But it is alleged that he failed to return until detained again in early February.

Handcuffed and flanked by prison guards, Tate entered the dock for a preliminary enquiry into the new charge. He declined to call witnesses or give evidence during the brief hearing.

Defence solicitor Damien Trainor did not contest prosecution submissions that his client has a prima facie case to answer.

On that basis an application was granted to have Tate returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed. With no application for bail, he was taken back into custody.

❝ P1 is all about every child feeling safe, loved and welcome when they enter their classroom