The Jamaica College (JC) student seen in a viral video hitting a fellow schoolmate has now been “slapped” with criminal charges himself. This comes amid public criticism regarding a lack of legal action against the student, which the police initially said was out of their hands.
However, on Friday, Acting Senior Superintendent Mark Harris, head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, confirmed that the Grade 11 student was arrested. He was charged on Thursday with assault occasioning bodily harm. He was later granted station bail.
Superintendent Harris also indicated that further charges could potentially be laid against the accomplices of the teen in the video, according to the Jamaica Gleaner. The matter is still under active review.
The case had initially been held up at an early stage of investigation after police indicated that they could not proceed without a formal complaint. At the time, officers explained that a report from the victim, a parent or a guardian was necessary before charges could be laid. The police were given the green light after a complaint was formally submitted.
The incident is understood to have occurred last Thursday on the Old Hope Road campus of the Kingston-based all-boys institution. However, it only became widely known days later after a 56-second video spread across social media platforms.
The video shows a group of boys encircle a student. One boy grips him by the collar and repeatedly slaps him across the face. He also hits him in the chest. Another student was using a belt as a weapon against the victim, striking him repeatedly.
During the assault, questions are asked that indicate the victim owes someone money. Following the circulation of the footage, Jamaica College issued a statement providing its version of events. The school said the victim in the viral video admitted in writing that he had stolen a jacket, glasses, and cash belonging to other students two weeks earlier.
According to the institution, the student initially denied the allegations but later acknowledged them and agreed to return the items. However, the school said full restitution was not completed within the agreed timeframe, which led to a confrontation that escalated into the incident captured on video.
The institution also said all students involved are expected to appear before the school’s disciplinary committee, and the appropriate action will be taken.