Teacher died after months of 'bullying'

A member of staff at a school has been suspended and an investigation launched after a teacher died from the effects of an eating disorder amid claims she was bullied in her job. Britt Pilton, 29, who was about to be married, collapsed and died at school in February, an inquest heard.

Ms Pilton, who was described as a popular and caring teacher, had been prescribed anti-depressant drugs and her long-term bulimia was said to have been heightened by her anxiety. Rotherham Coroner's Court heard that during the previous six to 12 months her anxiety increased because of the stress she was under at High Greave Junior School in Rotherham. Rotherham Coroner Nicola Mundy recorded a narrative verdict, saying Ms Pilton died on 23 February from the effects of bulimia which arose out of long-standing anxiety. The court was told that Ms Pilton was frightened she would be forced out of her job by bullying behaviour. Ms Pilton, who was due to marry this summer, died despite staff efforts to revive her. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council confirmed a school staff member had been suspended. "We have been made aware of the allegations of bullying and these are being investigated by ourselves and the school ... Bullying of any kind is not tolerated in our schools.".