Headmaster cleared of hitting boy

A headmaster was today found not guilty of having hit and slightly injured a schoolboy, with the court saying that his actions had not exceeded the limits of moderation. Alfred Grixti, 51, who is Mayor of Żebbuġ and headmaster of St Clare College in Ġzira, had been accused of hitting a 13-year-old and slightly injuring him during a school trip to Gozo over Christmas two years ago. The court heard how teachers, social workers, counsellors and guidance teachers had said that the boy suffered from anger issues, indiscipline and an intolerance of  authority. He was involved in many cases of bullying as well as cases of disrespect towards his teachers. The court found that Mr Grixti's actions did not exceed the limits of moderation and he had a duty to control this boy.  The court also noted that for the boy, his negative behaviour towards other student and his attempts to ridicule his teachers in public were just a joke.