THE mother of a boy allegedly subjected to a sexual assault by other pupils has lost a legal challenge over the school's handling of her complaints.
She issued proceedings over a decision to wait for completion of a criminal investigation before taking disciplinary action against any boys involved in holding down and stripping her son.
A judge ruled that the incident among Year 8 pupils was properly dealt with by placing the focus on providing pastoral care and protection while facilitating the police probe.
Despite stressing the boy was a victim, Mr Justice Colton said: "The school has not acted illegally in terms of an alleged failure to implement the scheme in relation to suspensions and expulsions."
The boy is from Northern Ireland but neither he nor the secondary school can be identified.
He was said to have been targeted during an overnight trip in October last year.
During a so-called game of "dirty dare" he was pinned to the floor by one boy while another boy pulled his trousers down and carried out a sexual assault, the High Court heard.
Up to seven pupils, aged either 11 or 12, were identified as being present around the time.
A week later it was reported to a sixth-form mentor and then referred to a child protection officer at the school.
Based on advice from the Education Authority, investigative responsibility was passed to the PSNI and social services.
The boy's mother was informed that the school's board of governors would convene to examine disciplinary procedures once that probe was completed.
Her son has since transferred to another school.
