Updated at 4.40pm with MUT reaction

A grandmother who assaulted a head of school in Vittoriosa on Tuesday apologised in court on Wednesday and was fined €4,000. 

The woman, 47, said she was pleading guilty and she admitting she had committed a mistake.

She was also handed a suspended six-month jail term and banned from the school for two years. 

A protection order in favour of the head of school was issued.  

The head of school was treated in hospital for slight injuries after the incident which took place in her first floor office. The aggressor was arrested shortly after she left the school.

The court banned publication of names. 

Jason Grima was defence counsel.

The Malta Union of Teachers welcomed the outcome of the court case, noting in particular that the issue was dealt with quickly. However, it stressed that the bigger issue must not be overlooked: that prevention is better than cure.

"This sentence, which follows a similar one last November, should be commended. The MUT, however, reiterates for the umpteenth time its appeal for proper security measures in schools to protect educators at their workplace."