The Newtownabbey Times was contacted by members of Katie-Lee's family who were concerned about this. The article that was printed on the front page of last week's Newtownabbey Times was not "untrue" as has since been suggested by the school. It was based on conversations with Katie-Lee's parents, and with the school Principal given her right of reply.
Fortunately, on both separate occasions, Katie-Lee reached home safely without far more serious consequences. The fact that it was highlighted in our newspaper allows the school to look again at its safety and security procedures.
We understand that a number of parents are satisfied with the safety and supervision arrangements at the school as they stand. However, this clearly does not apply to all parents.
Instead of rallying support against this newspaper and indeed the child herself, the school would perhaps do better to put measures in place to ensure such an incident does not recur.
Susan Gillen, Chief Reporter, Newtownabbey Times.