GEORGE NEWS - A teacher (56) from a local private school who is accused of sexually assaulting a former pupil at the school, pleaded not guilty in the Thembalethu Regional Court on Monday.
Christopher Harding, a teacher at Glenwood House, is accused of wrongfully and intentionally assaulting a female pupil (then 14 years old) on several occasions during 2013. Harding is accused of touching the victim's legs without her permission and biting her upper arm or shoulder.
A second alternative charge of crimen injuria followed after the accused allegedly made remarks to the victim with reference to her "big nice bums". The media was not allowed into court on Monday as the victim (17) testified in camera. The case continued on Tuesday during which two eye witnesses at the school testified. The victim's parents told the George Herald that they are disappointed with the way the school handled the matter.
"The fact that the school seems to condone the matter is bad and their reaction unprofessional," said the victim's mother.
According to the victim's father, he approached the school principal and board members, yet the teacher is still at the school and nothing was done about it. He feels that it also puts other girls at the school in danger.
Dennis Symes, Glenwood House school principal, told the George Herald that the matter is sub judice. "I will reserve my comment until the matter has reached finality in court," said Symes.
Magistrate Thembikile Anna postponed the case until 26 February for further trial. The accused is represented by JC Ellis and
JJ Marx appears for the state.
Click here for previous articles:
- Assault case of teacher back on role
- Sexual assault case temporarily removed
- Teacher up for sexual assault
ARTICLE: HENRICA VELDMAN, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
