FOX 21/27 – WFXR Roanoke/WWCW Lynchburg News, WeatherBotetourt County Teacher Convicted of Assault on Student

Botetourt County Teacher Convicted of Assault on Student

For the last four months, Elizabeth Daniel's son has had to go to another school for his technology class after he was assaulted by Victor Terry a teacher at Lord Botetourt high school.

"Grabbed him by his shirt and held him because he was making a noise going into class before the class started," says Daniel.

Daniel says there was no reason for Terry to handle thing in that manner.

"He was making a noise when he entered into the doorway and the classroom but that doesn't give any teacher or person of authority the right to put their hands on a child," says Daniel.

At a hearing in Botetourt County Juvenile and Domestic court, a judge found Terry guilty of one count of assault on a minor.

Botetourt County school superintendent Tony Brads says it is in the Code of Virginia. If a teacher is convicted of anything, including assault, they cannot remain in the school system. Brads also says as far as he knows Terry was still teaching as of Monday and Friday, but is now on a leave of absence with pay, pending a decision from the school board, which is set to meet on Thursday.

We spoke to Terry's attorney Bill Cleveland over the phone. He says in a statement, "Their position on this is it is a travesty of justice. This is a classic example of a young man, an undisciplined individual, with no respect for authority. [Terry] reprimanded him in class and it has been blown out of proportion. [Terry] is an excellent teacher, does a good job, and works hard."

Cleveland also says they will appeal the conviction.