The conviction of a New South Wales teacher who had earlier entered a guilty plea to abusing a teenage student has been reversed.
In March, Michael Kable acknowledged that he lost his temper and punched a 14-year-old while instructing a group of kids at Maitland Grossman High School.
The youngsters were filming as the casual teacher was showered with objects, and the court was informed that they had a “pack mentality” and were known for their bad behavior.
Prior to the attack, the victim flung a desk at the 63-year-old teacher’s feet and struck him in the face with a bulldog clip.
Kable was identified as the “subject of extreme provocation” by Judge Peter McGrath in court.
The granddad was characterized in character references as “efficient and caring,” a “integral part of the school,” and someone who has always gone “above and beyond.”
After entering a guilty plea, Kable was first found guilty; however, McGrath overturned the conviction today.
In doing so, he questioned the degree of help provided by the schools and stated that safety and protection at work were equally crucial for the breaches.
According to Kable’s attorney, following the event that cost him his employment, he experienced extreme anxiety and was afraid to leave the house.
The Criminal Court’s ruling today sets the stage for NSW Education officials to determine whether to hire him again.
