A teacher is facing manslaughter charges in Papua New Guinea after he allegedly used a softball bat to bash a student, resulting in his death.
The newspaper, The National, reports 14 year-old Samson Kuk from a school near Mt Hagen in the Western Highlands province was admitted to hospital suffering from pain in his arms and legs, but was also found to have lung and hip infections.
A medical report revealed he had been beaten numerous times before.
His father Kuk Yaga said his son had complained of being beaten many times, and he plans to sue the teacher, the school and the Department of Education.
The provincial police say the suspect has escaped to his village.
They say it is reasonable to discipline students, but teachers should remember they are children.
Corporal punishment was outlawed from PNG schools in the 1970s.
