Teen felt ‘degraded and belittled’ by former University of New England vice-chancellor, court told

Prof Brigid Heywood has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and offensive behaviour over an alleged incident in March 2022

• Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

A teenager who was allegedly assaulted and subjected to offensive behaviour by the former vice-chancellor of the University of New England at an International Women's Day event last year has told a court that the incident left her feeling degraded and belittled".

Prof Brigid Heywood, 65, a British-Australian biological scientist, is alleged to have wiped her saliva on a teenager's face and commented on her skin colour at a council-run International Women's Day event on 8 May 2022. She was a panellist at the event.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup