Student slap for exam fail

A GRIFFITH University engineer student slapped a lecturer and hit him with paper because he failed an exam, a court has heard.

Ali Mohammad, from Kuwait, pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to one count of assault. He was sentenced to 40 hours community service by Magistrate Andrew Sinclair.

Mohammad said he now realised the lecturer was only trying to teach him.

A Griffith University spokesman said “appropriate student disciplinary action” had been taken but declined to say what that action was. It is understood Mohammad is still studying at the university.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Jim Pedlow said Mohammad visited his lecturer Dr JeungHwan Doh in his office on March 7 after Dr Doh gave Mohammad a failing grade.

Mohammad demanded Dr Doh give him extra marks, the court heard. When Dr Doh refused Mohammad began to yell.

“The defendant then slapped the victim to the face with an open hand,” Sgt Pedlow said. “He then took the exam paper and hit him with it.”

Sgt Pedlow said security were called and were able to break up the fight.

Mohammad, who represented himself in court, said he was sorry for the incident.

“I thought he was trying to do something bad with me,” Mohammad said. “I was wrong and he was trying to teach me. It was my mistake.”

Mohammad said he had already failed the subject four times which is why he got so upset. He told the court he had one day off each week and could use that to complete community service. It must be done in the next 12 months.