A year 7 Murray High School student has had to have facial reconstructive surgery after he was assaulted at his school this week.
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The family of victim Jayden Dowell said they are traumatised by the incident, and have questioned why the school did not call police immediately after the alleged attack Tuesday morning.
It’s believed the 13-year-old was playing with a friend in change rooms when they blocked the path of an older teenager.
When Jayden would not move, the older student set upon him.
Sarah Dowell, Jayden’s mother, said an ambulance was called about noon and X-rays at Albury hospital revealed the extent of his injuries.
“He has a broken cheekbone, a broken eye socket and a broken sinus bone,” she said.
“They were saying in surgery they've got to actually cut into his skin and pull his skull back out to put it into position and then bolt it or screw it, as well as plate it.”
Jayden said on Wednesday he was devastated to learn he would have to undergo surgery. The alleged attack had shocked him but he said his teachers at Murray High had been supportive.
The operation at Albury hospital on Friday morning lasted about 100 minutes and involved two plates and six screws being inserted into Jayden’s skull.
Sarah expressed regret police were not told on Tuesday morning about the alleged attack. “According to the police, they weren't informed … I had to contact the police at 8pm Tuesday night after my son had received medical attention,” she said.
Murray High redirected inquiries to NSW Department of Education spokesman Grant Hatch, who said violent behaviour of any kind would not be tolerated at Murray High.
“Students responsible will be disciplined strongly and significant matters are reported to police,” he said.
When asked if there are guidelines for schools to follow when reporting assaults, Mr Hatch said “the investigation, reporting and disciplinary process commenced by the school on Tuesday included setting in train notification to police”.
But Chris Perkins, Jayden’s father, was disappointed the school had not contacted police straight away. Chris and Sarah were told the alleged perpetrator had been placed on a 10-day suspension.
“They stated that they just hadn’t got around to it yet, but they did get onto it on Wednesday apparently,” he said. “Adults are going to jail for one-punch incidents and in a public school their biggest punishment was a 10-day suspension?”
Albury police said it was investigating an allegation of serious assault at a school in the Albury area.
