A headmaster who is accused of having exposed his school to asbestos says that he had no idea that the material was a major health risk. Phillip Robinson, of Chevin Road, Duffiled, Derby, is denying a charge against him for wailing to ensure the health and safety of others. Robinson said, "I knew nothing about asbestos. "On the opening day of this trial somebody made the comment that everybody knows how dangerous asbestos was. I didn't realise, I knew nothing about asbestos. I had no idea there might be asbestos dust or that anything might come off it. The whole thing has been a complete new learning curve for me."

Head 'not aware' of asbestos risk