The headmaster who allegedly hit a 13-year-old boy on the head while on a school trip said this afternoon that he had volunteered a statement about what happened to the police and his version of events could be corroborated by other teachers who were present.

Alfred Grixti, 49, of Zebbug was yesterday charged with hitting the boy and slightly injuring him during a school trip to Gozo over Christmas. He pleaded not guilty.

He said this evening that the police felt it should also charge the student whose case should start being heard at the Minor’s Court in Malta.

A statement about the case was issued by the Malta Union of Teachers earlier today.

The union announced that the boy was also being charged and deplored the fact that sections of the media had reported how Mr Grixtiwas charged with hitting the boy without mentioning that the boy was also being charged.

He is due to be arraigned on April 19.

The union said it would not protect any of its members who did not act professionally but would not allow trial in the media.