Taminmin College locked down after principal John Harris allegedly assaulted by student

A 14-year-old who was allegedly drinking alcohol on campus at a greater Darwin school then went on a spree of destruction, forcing the school into lockdown, police say.

Taminmin College was locked down on Monday after a 14-year-old student, who had been consuming alcohol on campus, allegedly assaulted the principal. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

A 14-year-old who was allegedly discovered drinking alcohol on campus at a greater Darwin school then proceeded to go on a spree of destruction, forcing the school’s lockdown, police say.

In response to questions sent by this masthead, which had been alerted to the development by a parent at Humpty Doo’s Taminmin College, NT Police confirmed they had attended the school after lunchtime on Monday in response to a request for assistance.

“Northern Territory Police apprehended a 14-year-old youth in relation to an alleged assault in Humpty Doo yesterday,” a spokeswoman said.

“[About] 12.30pm, police received reports that a student at a local high school had been found consuming alcohol on the campus, and allegedly assaulted the school principal when he intervened.

“The student has further allegedly caused property damage resulting in the school entering a code red lock down.

“Police attended and apprehended the 14-year-old who was later released into the care of a responsible adult.

“The youth will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Justice Act 2005.”

Taminmin College principal John Harris. Picture: Taminmin College

A Department of Education spokeswoman said the school was locked down at about 12.35pm, and the lockdown was lifted at 1.20pm.

“The department can confirm an incident occurred yesterday morning at Taminmin College involving a member of staff and a student,” she said.

“The wellbeing and safety of our students and staff is our priority and our schools and the department will not tolerate violence or inappropriate behaviour.

“Staff and students have been offered support through the employment assistance scheme and school counsellor service.”

Taminmin College caters to students in years 7–12. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

In a message to the school community by principal John Harris, sent at about 2pm Monday and obtained by this masthead, the principal said there had been in fact three lockdowns on Monday, not just the one admitted to by the department.

“An incident occurred at Taminmin College today involving a member of staff and a student which resulted in the college being placed into lockdown on three separate occasions,” Mr Harris said.

“The matter is now being dealt with by Northern Territory Police.”

The department subsequently clarified that all three lockdowns related to the same student.