Former Teacher Testifies in Student Assault Trial

Darroch Robinson, a 56-year-old former teacher, has testified in the Northern Territory Supreme Court regarding an incident in 2024 where he allegedly struck a female student in the face, resulting in her breaking her front teeth.

Robinson has pleaded not guilty to one count of unlawfully causing serious harm. During his testimony on April 14, 2026, he admitted to being angry and frustrated with the student, whom he described as an exceptionally rude child.

Details of the Classroom Incident

The incident occurred in 2024 at the school then known as Darwin Middle School, which has since become Darwin High School. At the time of the event, Robinson was employed there as a history teacher.

Evidence presented in court indicated that Robinson had confiscated a mobile phone from the student, who was described as physically small. The confrontation escalated when the student returned and demanded the return of her device.

The court heard that upon Robinson’s refusal to return the phone, the student directed verbal abuse toward him, calling him a dumb c*** or a fat c***.

Court Proceedings and Defense

Robinson took the stand in his own defense to address the charges. While conceding his emotional state of anger and frustration prior to the strike, the defense has characterized the resulting injury as an accident.

The prosecution and defense have already delivered their closing addresses to the jury. The legal proceedings are nearing a conclusion, with the jury expected to retire to consider their verdict on April 15, 2026.