Former UNE vice chancellor Brigid Heywood sentenced for offensive behaviourBy Liana BossABC New EnglandTopic:Courts44m ago44 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 5:49amBrigid Heywood received a non-conviction dismissal for offensive behaviour. (ABC News: Liana Boss)In short:Brigid Heywood pleaded guilty to behaving in an offensive manner, while a charge of common assault was withdrawn.The court has heard Ms Heywood felt great contrition, while the teenage victim's family had moved interstate as a result of the matter.What's next?She has received a section 10 dismissal, meaning no conviction will be recorded. abc.net.au/news/brigid-heywood-une-avoids-conviction-offensive-behaviour/105263816Link copiedShareShare articleA 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 outDefence 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 lossMr 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.Posted 44m ago44 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 5:49amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesGreens leaderless after Adam Bandt defeated in MelbourneBREAKINGPhoto shows Bandt sits with his hand on his chin.Wilson takes parting shot at Daniel in a teary victory speechTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A man in a grey jacket and white collared shirt smiles in front of a crowd dressed in blue shirts that say "Tim Wilson".Peter Dutton lands in Canberra as Coalition MPs divide on nuclear policyLIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton walks through an airport with microphones and cameras surrounding him.Multiple fatalities after retaliatory strikes between India and Pakistan, officials sayLIVEPhoto shows A man rides his motorbike through rubble in the darkFull-scale war looms 'if missiles start raining' between India, PakistanTopic:ExplainerPhoto shows Debris of an aircraft lie at the backyard of a house in KashmirPopular nowGreens leaderless after Adam Bandt defeated in MelbourneBREAKINGPhoto shows Bandt sits with his hand on his chin.Wilson takes parting shot at Daniel in a teary victory speechTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A man in a grey jacket and white collared shirt smiles in front of a crowd dressed in blue shirts that say "Tim Wilson".Peter Dutton lands in Canberra as Coalition MPs divide on nuclear policyLIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton walks through an airport with microphones and cameras surrounding him.Related topicsArmidaleCourtsUniversitiesUniversity of New EnglandTop StoriesBreaking: Greens leaderless after Adam Bandt defeated in MelbourneTopic:Australian GreensPhoto shows Bandt sits with his hand on his chin.Wilson takes parting shot at Daniel in a teary victory speechTopic:ElectionsPeter Dutton lands in Canberra as Coalition MPs divide on nuclear policyTopic:ElectionsMultiple fatalities after retaliatory strikes between India and Pakistan, officials sayTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarFull-scale war looms 'if missiles start raining' between India, PakistanTopic:ExplainerJust InDoctors on the brink: Burnout, unsafe shifts, and a system in collapse Topic:Doctors and Medical Professionals4m ago4 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 6:29amWater gushed for weeks before McCrae landslide, inquiry toldTopic:Landslides18m ago18 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 6:15amBeloved Darwin grocer honoured at public funeral after fatal stabbingTopic:Funerals and Memorial Services27m ago27 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 6:06amBudget-friendly breakfast ideas for Mother's DayTopic:Recipes34m ago34 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 5:59amMore Just InBack to top