Teen to serve time for assaulting principal

Teen to serve time for assaulting principal
published: Thursday | May 29, 2008

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

PORT MARIA, St Mary:

The 15-year-old student who was charged with assaulting the principal of Oracabessa High School earlier this month will have to spend two years at a correctional institution.

The teen was sentenced when he appeared in the Port Maria Children's Court on Monday.

He pleaded guilty to the charge of assault at common law when he previously appeared in court.

It was reported that the teenager pushed the principal, Paul Lofters, after he confronted him. Lofters had gone to a grade nine classroom where he saw the student, despite the fact that he was on suspension.

It is reported that Lofters beckoned to the student and later demanded that he hand over his bag. The student allegedly threw the bag at Lofters' feet.

In a bid to leave the classroom, the 15-year-old pushed the principal, who was standing at the door, before punching and kicking at him.

Had to be restrained

He was reportedly restrained and taken to the staffroom where he escaped. The student was later handed over to the Oracabessa police who arrested and charged him with assault at common law.

The education minister, Andrew Holness, has been insisting that students committing criminal acts at schools be turned over to the police for prosecution.