A public school has launched an investigation after a pupil drowned a teacher's cat.

The probe at Felsted School comes after a pupil admitted drowning the cat in a box weighted with bricks, due to a misunderstanding.

Headmaster Stephen Roberts today said the drowning followed a celebration for sixth formers at the home of housemaster, Mark Surridge, on school grounds, after Deacon's House won an inter-house singing competition.

The headmaster said the 17-year-old pupil admitted drowning Patch and had made no attempt to hide what he had done.

The teenager claimed he thought Mr Surridge wanted to get rid of his elderly cat, but Mr Surridge denies this.

"The boy is appalled by what he has done and ashamed," said Mr Roberts.

Disciplinary action has been taken against the teenage boarder. He was suspended for 21/2 weeks following the incident. He has returned to school for lessons only.

Mr Roberts said: "I have launched an investigation to find out the full facts. There is a hearing next week to let Mr Surridge put his point of view about the incident."

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Published Friday, November 25, 2005

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