Former UNE vice chancellor Brigid Heywood sentenced for offensive behaviour
A former University of New England vice chancellor has received no conviction after pleading guilty to behaving in an offensive manner.
Brigid Heywood, 68, was due to face a week-long hearing for common assault and offensive behaviour this week.
But Ms Heywood pleaded guilty to the lesser offence on Monday when the prosecution withdrew the assault charge.
Her defence sought during her sentencing hearing on Wednesday for the outcome of the case to be suppressed, preventing any publication for a year.
However, Magistrate Michael Holmes declined the request.
The court heard Ms Heywood was a guest speaker at an International Women's Day event in Armidale in March, 2022.
A 15-year-old girl who was also attending the event had a photo taken with the then-vice chancellor along with some fellow students.
The court heard Ms Heywood later interrupted an exchange between the girl and another academic.
Ms Heywood said to the girl: "Oh really, I didn't realise you were brown."
The court heard she then licked her finger and wiped it on the girl's face.
Brigid Heywood covers her face as she leaves Armidale Courthouse with lawyer Simon Buchan.
(
ABC News: Liana Boss
)
Apology read out
Defence barrister Simon Buchen SC tendered expert medical evidence detailing his client's severe mental health difficulties since the case had been before the court.
He read aloud a letter of apology, addressed to the magistrate.
"I was shocked when informed my brief interaction with this student caused her distress," Ms Heywood said in the letter read to the court.
"
It was never my intention to cause distress to any young female … participating in the celebration of and for women's rights.
"
The letter spoke of the heavy toll the situation had taken.
"I've reflected on all of this every day since," she wrote.
"I've lost my career, my professional reputation and a job I dearly loved after some 40 years of being involved in higher education and regional economic development.
"It was never, and nor would it ever be, my intention to cause upset or distress to a student or any individual."
Mr Buchan said the offence could be summed up as "a momentary and bizarre and inconceivable lapse" which was "entirely out of character".
"It was a bizarre and momentary aberration from a life of exemplary service," Mr Buchan said.
Mr Holmes said the conduct had "given offence" to the girl involved, "no matter how it was intended".
Mr Buchan said Ms Heywood's conduct was "not motivated by racism".
Mr Buchan told the court Ms Heywood, who held other "very important appointments" during her career, had seen her career crumble since the allegations were made against her.
"She has been deeply hurt and pained … as a good person who has been through deep torment and agony,"
he said.
Career loss
Mr Buchan said Ms Heywood's extra curial consequences had been disproportionate to the offence, including the "irretrievable loss of an illustrious career".
"She has been subject to adverse media reporting which has effectively destroyed her reputation, she was subject to an online campaign of rancour and hatred," Mr Buchan said.
"She had to resign as the vice chancellor of the University of New England."
Mr Buchan asked the court to consider not imposing a conviction.
He said Ms Heywood was devastated to leave her job and her community of Armidale because of the allegations.
The prosecutor did not oppose a non-conviction result, but highlighted that it had taken more than three years for Ms Heywood to enter a guilty plea.
He also focused on the "ongoing emotional effect" the 2022 exchange had on the girl.
"Because of this matter, the family left the state," he said.
Brigid Heywood leaves court in Armidale with Simon Buchan (left) and Tom Taylor.
(
ABC News: Liana Boss
)
Magistrate Holmes noted Ms Heywood came before the court with a clear criminal record.
He acknowledged she had a glittering career and was a person of great significance in the community.
"Her behaviour could be described as foolish, lacking a good sense of judgement, or being unwise in what she did," Mr Holmes said.
"She also acted in an unconsidered way, or at worst, a boorish behaviour.
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