A New South Wales teacher who previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a teenage student has had his conviction overturned.
Michael Kable was teaching a classroom of teenagers at Maitland Grossman High School in March when he admitted he snapped, punching a 14-year-old.
The court heard the teenagers had notorious behavioural issues and a "pack mentality", and were filming as the casual teacher was pelted with objects.
The victim hit the 63-year-old teacher in the face with a bulldog clip and threw a desk at his feet before the assault.
Judge Peter McGrath said in court Kable was the "subject of extreme provocation".
Character references described the grandfather as "efficient and caring", and an "integral part of the school" with a history of going "above and beyond".
Kable was initially convicted after pleading guilty, however, today McGrath dropped the conviction.
In doing so he questioned the level of school support, and said protection and a safe workplace was also important for the breaches.
Kable's lawyer said he was scared to leave the house and suffered severe anxiety after the incident that cost him his job.
Today's decision in the Criminal Court paves the way for NSW Education officials to decide whether he will be reemployed.
