A RESPECTED and hard-working teacher momentarily lost his temper after being pelted by snowballs, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.
Dean Macfarlane, 54, a teacher for 34 years, threw a 12-year-old into a hedge, said Jack Danaher, defending.
He said Macfarlane, of Lamb Croft, Carlton, had suffered damage to his home, thefts and anti-social behaviour for 18 months.
Mr Danaher added that Macfarlane had repeatedly complained but nothing had been done.
Mr Danaher said: "Mr Macfarlane was pelted with snowballs and abused twice. He approached one of the young people who spat on the floor.
"Mr Macfarlane momentarily lost his control and it has had devastating consequences. He will lose his job. His colleagues at school want him to carry on but this will not happen.
"He has been a dedicated and hard-working teacher for 34 years. He is thinking of moving house because of this."
Claire Jackson, prosecuting, said the 12-year-old victim was shaken but not seriously injured after being thrown into the hedge.
She said: "Mr Macfarlane came home and found his house had been pelted with snowballs. He was pelted with snowballs and was hit in the face and body.
"Later, he spotted two youths and told them to stay away. One of them, the victim, spat on the floor."
Macfarlane admitted assault. He was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work, to pay £50 in compensation, costs of £85 and a £60 victim surcharge.
