I have three grandsons attending St Michael’s Church School. The news that the school’s assistant head (complete with name and surname) has been accused by the police of indecent assault came as a shock to all.

I do not know the person, not even by sight, but my grandsons, who have been attending the school for a number of years, have always spoken highly of him and described him as a man of discipline who is hardworking, dedicated, honest and sincere.

I was also told that he was the headmaster’s right-hand man with quite a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.

When my grandchildren heard the sad news on television, they felt there was some mistake and that it could not be the person they know.

Hopefully, the truth will soon prevail.

The accused, like his colleagues who are members of the MUSEUM Society, has dedicated his life completely to teaching our children – even those children who are sometimes literally ‘dumped’ at the MUSEUM premises by their parents, whose only aim is to get rid of them for a few hours and have time off for themselves.

It is a pity that some sections of the media, rather than educate and/or entertain, are being so quick to put under scrutiny all that is in some way or another linked to the Church or its institutions.

I pray to God Almighty and St George Preca to protect the person concerned and give him the necessary strength to endure this ordeal.

Hopefully, his name will be cleared and in the shortest possible time.