St John’s Grammar teacher investigated over alleged assault, verbal abuse of teen boy on Belair train

A longstanding schoolteacher is being investigated after appearing to shove and verbally abuse a young boy in a heated altercation on the Belair line. See the video.

A longstanding Adelaide Hills private schoolteacher has been stood down after allegedly assaulting a teenage boy in a heated altercation on the Belair train line.

Police say the St John’s Grammar School teacher was also verbally abusive to the young man.

The incident occurred about 3.40pm on Saturday afternoon, between the Eden Hills and Lynton railway stations heading toward Belair.

Video shows the irate teacher raising his voice at what appears to be four teenage boys sitting on the train with their mountain bikes.

“Boys, if you think I’m not going to kick you off at the next station you’ve got another thing coming,” he can be heard saying as the stunned boys watch on.

“I’m not f****** around with you kids.”

The video then cuts to slow-motion footage of the teacher appearing to lunge toward a member of the group.

A St John’s Grammar teacher is being investigated over an altercation on the Belair train line.

The visibly infuriated teacher can be seen grabbing the teenage boy’s shoulder and seemingly pushing him back into the chair.

A caption on the video says: “Moments before disaster”, but it is unclear from the video what led to the altercation.

One student who filmed the fiery interaction said the teacher was “yelling at us” – but conceded that the teenage boys were “swearing at (the teacher)” as the incident unfolded.

The student said the young boy involved was “okay”.

A school spokesperson said the teacher had been stood down while an initial investigation was underway.

“St John’s Grammar School has been made aware of an incident over the weekend which involved a longstanding teacher of the school,” they said.

“The teacher has been stood down indefinitely until further notice, while the school conducts an initial investigation.”

A letter was sent to parents at St John’s Grammar School on Monday afternoon informing them of the incident.

The 800-student Anglican early learning, primary and secondary school, located in Belair in the Adelaide Hills, charges upwards of $18,000 for year 10 to 12 enrolments.

An SA Police spokesperson confirmed police were investigating the incident, saying the teacher “allegedly assaulted a teenage boy and was verbally abusive towards him”.

Police have urged anyone with information or who witnessed the altercation to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

As of Monday, no charges had been laid.

Originally published as St John’s Grammar teacher investigated over alleged assault, verbal abuse of teen boy on Belair train