KEY POINTS:
Four pupils from a Hastings high school have been expelled in the wake of an attack on a schoolmate that was filmed and posted on the internet.
Two boys aged 14 and 16 were charged with assault after the victim was lured to a park and attacked on March 30.
Their principal confirmed yesterday the boys would not be returning to the school.
A board of trustees meeting decided the two accused, a 15-year-old who filmed the attack and a fourth pupil would be expelled.
The principal said the school, which cannot be named due to a suppression order, took "strong and swift action". The expulsions "reinforced the school's zero tolerance towards school bullying and aggression" and showed it was prepared to act to keep pupils safe.
He asked the community to be vigilant about how teenagers used technology, especially mobile phones and the internet.
Last month, a 16-year-old was punched, kicked and then humiliated in the alleged assault. He sustained cuts to his mouth and bruising did not report it because he feared reprisals. However, police were tipped off.
Up to 30 teenagers - some as young as 12 - watched the attack and allegedly spurred on the violence. It was filmed on cellphones and a video camera and posted on internet site YouTube. Police said it was then downloaded "a great deal" before it was removed. They said anyone who downloaded it could be charged.
The two teens facing charges appeared in Hastings Youth Court on Friday without plea, and were released on strict bail conditions.
They will appear again on May 2.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
