Arabic version: إدانة معلم بسبب ضرب طالب والتسبب في أذى جسيم

A former middle school teacher in Darwin has been found guilty of unlawfully causing serious harm to a female student. Darroch Robinson, 56, struck the girl in the face, breaking her teeth, after she demanded the return of her confiscated phone. The incident occurred during a history lesson in 2024, following an exchange where the student insulted Robinson.

According to ABC News, Robinson faced a two-day trial in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. His defense lawyer described the incident as a “freak accident,” claiming that Robinson did not intend to hit the student.

The jury deliberated for less than a day before returning a unanimous guilty verdict. Crown Prosecutor Sophia Bicknell argued that Robinson acted out of anger, and the force of the strike either directly broke the student’s teeth or caused her to fall onto a desk, resulting in her injuries.

During the trial, Robinson testified that the girl was an “exceptionally rude child” and acknowledged feeling angry at the time. However, discrepancies in his testimony raised concerns about his credibility. The student has since required ongoing dental intervention and has faced mental health issues as a result of the incident.

Robinson’s bail has been extended until his sentencing, scheduled for Friday, with Chief Justice Michael Grant indicating that a suspended sentence is likely, although it may be no less than two years. Robinson has declined to comment following the verdict.