ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—A school principal has been ordered to stand trial in St. John’s, N.L., this spring on charges of assault against four students, all with special needs. Provincial court last week scheduled a five-day trial to begin May 25 for McGrath, 50, who was charged last March with four counts of assault and one count of uttering threats. The students, whose identities are protected under a publication ban, range in age from kindergarten through Grade 6 and all have behavioural or learning disabilities. An application filed by McGrath’s lawyer last September says he expects the Crown to introduce evidence that McGrath “used excessive force in controlling the behaviour” of the students. Last month, a judge granted McGrath’s lawyer, Ian Patey, access to McGrath’s emails and the students’ files with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.

Source: thestar February 03, 2020 19:18 UTC