Michael McLean, STAR Writer

Santa Cruz

The trial of a St Elizabeth man accused of beating a teacher was rescheduled for June 26, when the accused appeared in the Santa Cruz Resident Magistrate's Court, recently.

Nicholas Smalling of Wilton District, the father of a male student who attends the Goshen All-Age School, was told by Resident Magistrate Dionne Meyler-Reid to return on that date as the Crown had taken on a new witness on the day of the trial.

It is alleged that on February 11, 2008, Smalling's son was injured while he was involved in a PE session at the school.

The youngster was taken to a private doctor in Santa Cruz by the teacher, Gregory Wilky, who is the complainant. Smalling, who was also present at the doctor's office got involved in an argument with the complainant, during which, it is alleged, the teacher was punched in his face and upper body several times.

Wilky had to be rescued by two employees at the doctor's office. Wilky sought medical attention, was treated and later released. The matter was reported and the accused man arrested and charged.