Teacher charged over schoolgirl's death

A teacher has been charged with involuntary manslaughter by French police after the tragic death of a pupil on a school holiday.

A teacher has been charged with involuntary manslaughter by French police after the tragic death of a pupil on a school holiday.

It follows the drowning of Gemma Carter, 13, who disappeared in the sea while on a trip with classmates from Leeds in June last year.

Gemma was part if the 44-strong party from Cockburn High School on a beach trip in Le Touquet, in northern France.

Her mother Sharon, of Cottingley, West Yorkshire, said she was "shocked" by the decision.

The council spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a member of staff at Cockburn School has been charged by French police in connection with the death of Gemma Carter in June 1999.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

The nearest equivalent to involuntary homicide under English law is manslaughter.