Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

A teacher of the Jonathan Grant High School in St Catherine is scheduled to appear before the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on March 18 to answer to charges of aiding and abetting, following the severe beating of six male students from the institution on Wednesday.

The teacher, who was identified as Marlon Black, was charged with six counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and six counts of unlawful wounding. He was granted bail in the sum of $30,000 at the Spanish Town Police Station yesterday.

On the scene

Black was picked up at the scene of the beating in De La Vega City, Spanish Town, after the police received reports that the boys were being assaulted. The Gleaner reported yesterday that the boys, who were accused of stealing the teacher's cellphone two weeks earlier, were picked up by men as they left school on Wednesday. The men reportedly accused them of stealing the teacher's cellphone. They were subsequently taken to De La Vega City where they were beaten with pieces of wood. They were rescued by the police and later received medical attention.

Principal of the school, Cortis Nolan, told The Gleaner that at the time the teacher reported his cellphone missing, the boys were searched and the instrument was not found on them. She said she thought that was the end of the matter.

Meanwhile, at least one parent, Marie Hunt, has said she will be sending her son to another school as she fears for his safety.

Personnel from the Ministry of Education visited the school yesterday and spoke with both staff and students. Attempts to get a comment from the Children's Advocate Mary Clarke proved futile as her phone rang several times before going to voicemail.