11-year-old facing three criminal charges for assaulting principal

Police have arrested and charged an 11-year-old student of a secondary school on the western side of the island for physically attacking and wounding his principal.

Reports are that last week Wednesday the principal was struck in the head with a cricket bat by the student who previously threatened to assault him with a knife.

Police were called to the scene and have since charged the minor with wounding, causing harm and using threatening language.

The principal was reportedly immediately rushed to the nearest medical facility where he was treated and later discharged.

Reports also indicate that police have also arrested and charged the uncle of the 11-year-old student, for causing harm, after he went onto the school compound and fought with one of the school teachers.

The minor is reported to be a British citizen of Grenadian parents who returned to the island
recently.

In July 2012, Parliament amended the Criminal Code to make the age of criminal responsibility 12 years old. However, the amendment provides for persons who commit offences under the age of 12.

The legislation states: “It shall be presumed that a child under the age of 12 is not capable of or criminal for an act or omission unless it is proved that at the time of doing the act the person had attain sufficient
maturity or understanding to judge the nature and consequences of his conduct in the matter in respect of which he is accused.”