Embattled Vere Technical High School’s physical education teacher Sashauna Wellington was on Wednesday suspended by the school pending investigation into the alleged “PVC pipe” beating of 13-year-old student athlete Moesha James on November 1.

On Tuesday, November 13, Wellington was arrested and charged with occasioning actual bodily harm and was released on bail.

She was supposed to have appeared before the court yesterday in Lionel Town, but the case was not mentioned.

Young James, a promising 800m runner, received damage to her hands and legs during the alleged incident and was instantly transferred from Vere Technical to Hydel High.

Ann-Marie James, mother of Moesha, said she had to take her daughter to the hospital following the beating which left her hands and legs swollen.

According to James, her daughter said she was feeling sick and was sent to her dorm by Wellington, who later called her back onto the field and allegedly beat her with the PVC pipe.

Upon hearing what transpired, James went to the school for clarity, and claimed Wellington admitted beating her daughter.

“I went by the school and I spoke to the VP (vice-principal) then she sent me to the dean of discipline and she said she wasn’t aware of it. Anyway, she send call the coach that did it and when she came in the office, she said this is Moesha, you know her and this is Moesha mom, I understand that you hit the child and she (Wellington) just jump up and said yes miss, I had to whop up Moesha skin yesterday because she want to go no training and the girl has potential,” said James.

When the Jamaica Observer contacted Wellington for her comment on the allegation, her response was. “Sir it is what it is. Whatever you say or they say.”

When asked again if that was her official response, Wellington added: “I have no idea what you talking about. I can’t recall. I don’t know what you talking about. Moesha James is a student where? I don’t know what you talking about. It is what it is, have a good evening,” said Wellington.

However, not satisfied with the school’s handling of the matter, James went a step further and reported the incident to the Hayes Police in Clarendon.