Frustrated dad hits son for getting bad grades

A 17-year-old is expected to return to court next month with an essay outlining what he intends to do with his life when he completes his secondary education next year.

He was ordered by Senior Parish Judge Lori-Anne Cole-Montaque when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court as a complainant in a matter of assault at common law. The defendant is the teen's father who pleaded guilty to hitting him in the face and on his body. However, the father explained that he was frustrated by his son's performance at school.

"I've been getting calls from the school that he's not doing his work and it was my fifth time at the school because of this and I had to beg the principal over and over to take him back and she said she nuh know what to do with him," the father shared. Then the teen was asked by the judge what subjects he intended to write in external examinations next year, he was not able to inform her.

"This nuh sound like everything alright for exam. Can imagine you bring a child up to 17 years old and them not going on with anything? Any parent would be upset you know," Cole-Montaque noted.

The father said that the teen's mother passed away recently and he gifted him with a phone for his birthday, and as a result, the child has been distracted.

"When one parent dies, the one that is alive overcompensates. He needs love and stability and I'm not saying he can't get gifts and gadgets, but he needs to show more interest. That is the reason the father lash out. You and I will formulate a plan for your life. I want to see report cards next time you come court. I want to see an essay from you and I will be marking in terms of the plans you have, so buckle up," Cole-Montaque counselled the teen.

The matter was adjourned until October 11 for mention.

- T.T.