Student, 14, tries to rape teacher
A 25-YEAR-OLD teacher at a Junior Secondary School in Central escaped being raped by her 14-year-old student, when her screams for help alerted a cleaner. The cleaner reportedly burst into the classroom to see the teacher being restrained on a table and a Form One student allegedly fondling the teacher. The cleaner raised an alarm and the student ran from the classroom. Security guards at the school were notified and the teacher was taken to the staffroom where she related the incident to another teacher. Officers from the Couva Police Station were contacted and the student was detained. The student denied the entire incident but was charged yesterday by PC Adams with indecent assault. The student will appear before a Couva Magistrate tomorrow. Teachers at the school told Sunday Newsday that the incident occurred at around 5 pm, at a time when the classrooms were empty and staff was preparing to leave the compound. The teacher had given a test to evening shift students. The 14-year-old student had asked the teacher to assist him with his schoolwork because he was having problems understanding it. The teacher agreed and it was while she was giving lessons to the student that he allegedly grabbed her and threw her on a desk. The teacher claimed the student began fondling her and she screamed for help. Police sources said the student remained at the Couva Police Station on Friday night and was only allowed to go home after his parents stood bail. Teachers at the school expressed shock and alarm at the incident. They plan to hold a meeting tomorrow to put measures in place to avoid any similar incidents. One teacher admitted that she is now afraid to return to classes. She wants the Ministry of Education to intervene and put a system in place for students who need help. "We are horrified and concerned about this incident and we feel some drastic measures need to be put into place," said another teacher. Clyde Permell, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) said it was the first time such an incident was ever brought to his attention. He expressed the view that the court should treat the student like an adult, especially if he is found guilty of the offence. Permell said schools have security guards and safety officers and he does not know what else could be done to protect teachers.
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"Student, 14, tries to rape teacher"