Teacher guilty of pupil assault

Mike Barile grabbed one boy and pinned another against a wall

A Scottish schoolteacher's career appears to be in ruins after he was found guilty of assaulting two pupils.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard that city maths teacher Mike Barile snapped when the boys insulted and swore at him.

He grabbed one 15-year-old by his jumper and threatened to throw him through a blackboard and pinned another against the wall.

The sheriff admonished him because of the abuse he had suffered and the affect it would have on his career.

The assaults took place between 15 October 2007 and 30 May this year.

'Extreme abuse'

Sheriff Charles Macnair told the teacher: "Both of these assaults were minor, and had it not been for your position as a teacher, I do not consider that would have been subject to criminal prosecution.

"I do accept that on the two occasions you were subject to extreme abuse by the two young men.

"The force you used was minimal and I take into account that this is going to have a very serious impact on your future career as a teacher.

"Having regard to the behaviour of the two complainants leading up to the offences, and your previously good record, at least since 1999, I consider that it would be appropriate to deal with you by way of admonition."

Barile refused to comment outside the court, but a spokesman for Dundee City Council's education department said: "This teacher is currently suspended and Dundee City Council will now take appropriate action within its agreed procedures for dealing with disciplinary matters."

The General Teaching Council for Scotland, the professional regulatory body for teachers, said: "Where teachers are convicted with a criminal offence, this is reported to the council and considered within the disciplinary process."

Barile, who is also an associate director of Dundee United football club, was found not guilty on two other charges of assaulting pupils, while the final assault charge was not proven.

In 2006, Barile was suspended from his teaching post at Madras College in St Andrews following allegations of assault but the suspension was later lifted.