A student convicted of assaulting his school principal at a graduation ball can now get on with his life -- with his principal's blessing.

Kiwon Butterfield, 19, of Ratteray Lane, Sandys, has abandoned his appeal against the assault conviction after Sandys Secondary principal Melvyn Bassett told prosecutors he wanted to see his former student achieve his goals.

He was found guilty in January but sentencing was delayed pending his appeal.

The case has dragged on since June 1996 when Butterfield punched Mr. Bassett in the head in front of parents, students and guests who were attending Sonesta Beach Hotel for the grand ball.

After he was pulled away from the headmaster by guests, Butterfield turned over a table.

During his December trial Butterfield said he was angry when his name was not read out with other graduating students at the ball.

But Mr. Bassett said he had agreed earlier with Butterfield and his mother that he would only be able to take part if he covered his dread locks in accordance with school rules.

The student said it was contrary to his Rastafarian religion to pray and eat with dread locks covered.

After the incident Butterfield's mother filed an official complaint with the Human Rights Commission claiming that her son was discriminated against.

Defence counsel Elizabeth Christopher said it should be taken into account that Mr. Bassett admitted in his evidence the attack was not painful and Butterfield had acknowledged what he had done was wrong.

She said her client was now a student at Bermuda College and anticipated going abroad to further his education.

"Mr. Bassett wants to see that happen. He now wants to see Mr. Butterfield progress in life and has wished Mr. Butterfield well in his further endeavours.'' In sentencing, Senior Magistrate Will Francis bound Butterfield over for 12 months and warned him not to do anything "foolish'' in that time.

"I now feel you should have realised the seriousness of this offence, and will take this action in light of the feelings of the prosecutor and the complainant.

"Put this all behind you. If you are well behaved for the next 12 months you will be free to go abroad to study without a police record.'' COURT OF APPEAL COA