TEACHER CHARGED FOR KID ATTACK

JUNIOR FOOTY SCANDAL

THE woman accused of assaulting a junior rugby league player in Townsville has been charged by police.

Teacher Kristen Leedy was charged with common assault for allegedly palming the 14year-old in the face.

The teen had played in a game against a team that included Leedy’s son before the alleged assault occurred.

An Education Queensland spokesman said Leedy had been suspended pending the outcome of the court case.

A TOWNSVILLE teacher who allegedly “palmed” a teenager in the face after a junior rugby league match has been charged by police.

The woman is accused of assaulting the teenager after a game between her son’s team and Brothers rugby league club.

It will be alleged the woman “palmed” the alleged victim in the face as the two teams were shaking hands.

Kristen Leedy was charged with common assault on Sunday, following an investigation by detectives.

It comes as the woman faced a three-person independent tribunal after being suspended from attending Queensland rugby league matches over the incident.

The Townsville Bulletin has previously revealed the woman was a relief teacher within the region.

An Education Queensland spokesman said the woman had been suspended pending the outcome of the court case. The department declined to comment further due to privacy reasons.

Queensland Law Society president Bill Potts said assaults at junior sports matches were becoming an increasing problem across the country and were a criminal offence with lasting consequences.

“It’s becoming increasingly common that we see parents on the sidelines assaulting other parents, assaulting the coaches, assaulting sometimes the referees, and rarely opposition players,” Mr Potts said. “Clearly it is not only not in the spirit of the game but it’s a criminal offence.”

He said if a teacher was convicted of the offence, that person could be subject to workplace disciplinary proceedings, which could result in the cancellation or suspension of a teaching licence.

Additionally, he said if a teacher was found guilty of the offence, the person’s blue card, which is required for working with children, could be at risk.

Townsville District Junior Rugby League president Bert Petersen has previously said the incident would probably result in match-day changes, which would be raised when the board next meets in November.

The woman will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on October 29.