A HIGHLY-RESPECTED headteacher of more than 25 years from Barrow has vowed to launch an appeal after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-wife's lover.

Alan Cook, who made 216 appearances for Barrow AFC during the 1970s and was the club's assistant manager for a spell, was found guilty of assault by beating following a trial held at Furness Magistrates' Court in Barrow on Wednesday.

The 62-year-old, of The Gardens in Hawcoat, had denied assaulting Gary Atkinson on September 27 of last year in Barrow. Magistrates convicted him and fined him £2,000 as well as ordering him to pay £100 compensation to Mr Atkinson, a £170 victim surcharge and £620 in court costs.

The court had heard Cook's ex-wife Janine had confessed to having an affair with Mr Atkinson. On the day of the alleged attack, Cook is said to have punched and kicked Mr Atkinson after spotting him in a car with his ex-wife.

Speaking from his home yesterday, Cook declined to discuss the circumstances of the incident, but said he planned to appeal against his conviction.

Cook has been headteacher of Arnside National Primary School since 1992. He is a National Leader of Education (NLE) - a title bestowed on outstanding headteachers or principals who, together with the staff in their schools, use their skills and experience to support schools in challenging circumstances. In addition to leading their own schools, NLEs work to increase the leadership capacity of other schools to help raise standards.

Cook was suspended from his position on full pay without prejudice following the alleged assault. The school's governors will now meet to decide his fate.

Ian Dudley, chair of governors at Arnside National Primary School, declined to comment on the circumstances of the alleged assault but said it had been a "private matter" and nothing to do with the school.

He added: "I am fully aware of it (the court case). He has been suspended without prejudice since last November pending the outcome of the trial. We will be having a meeting to decide the next step."

Arnside National Primary School gained academy status in 2011 and was designated a Teaching Schoool in 2013. Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and development to new and experienced school staff.

Prior to Greengate Infant, Nursery and Pre-School, Victoria Junior School and Yarlside Nursery and Primary School joining forces to become an academy, Cook encouraged the Barrow schools to make the change.

He said at the time: “It was the best thing we ever did. I know the three headteachers (from the Barrow schools) and the only mistake is they have not done it earlier.

“We haven’t got a single regret. It gave us flexibility and belief in ourselves.

“The three schools have no worries, they should just go for it.”