A former teacher at Darwin Middle School, Darroch Robinson, has been convicted of inflicting serious harm on a female student by striking her in the face, resulting in broken teeth, after he confiscated her mobile phone. The incident took place when the student requested the return of her phone.
The 56-year-old Robinson, who pleaded not guilty, stood trial this week in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. His lawyer characterized the event as an unfortunate accident.
Following the trial, which lasted two days, the jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict after less than a day of deliberation. Robinson’s bail has been extended pending his sentencing, scheduled for Friday.
During the trial, it was revealed that Robinson had taken the student’s phone and became angry when she insulted him, referring to him in derogatory terms. Defense attorney Peter Maley maintained that the situation was a “freak accident,” asserting that the student fell backward and hit her head on a desk after Robinson inadvertently made contact with her while turning to address her.
Maley stated, “He did not intend to strike the girl in that way. He did not mean for her front teeth to be broken or for her to fall in such a manner.” However, the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, concluding that Robinson either intended to inflict harm or should have anticipated that his actions could lead to serious injury.
Crown Prosecutor Sophia Bicknell argued in her closing statements that Robinson’s anger towards the student was evident, and he struck her deliberately after she insulted him. She explained that the force of the strike caused the student’s teeth to break either directly or by propelling her into the desk.
Robinson, while testifying in his defense, referred to the student as “exceptionally rude” and admitted under cross-examination that he felt “angry” rather than merely “frustrated” at the time of the incident. However, Bicknell pointed out inconsistencies in Robinson’s testimony, noting that his account had changed from what he initially reported to the police.
Evidence presented in court indicated that the student has required ongoing dental treatment since the incident, with unsuccessful attempts to cap her damaged teeth, as well as experiencing persistent mental health issues.
Chief Justice Michael Grant has extended Robinson’s bail until the sentencing hearing, indicating that he may impose a suspended sentence. He noted that it is unlikely the sentence would be shorter than two years, and therefore, he will not seek an assessment for home detention but will consider supervision suitability instead.
Robinson is set to return to court for sentencing on Friday.
