A former Sandys Secondary student yesterday admitted punching principal Melvyn Bassett "two to three times'' at the school's prom last year.

But Kiwon Butterfield, of Ratteray Lane, Sandys Parish, claimed he lost control after his name was not called during the ceremony.

"I felt hurt, disappointed, and humiliated,'' the 18-year-old Rastafarian said.

Butterfield was testifying during his Magistrates' Court trial which yesterday attracted education officials, including Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher and four middle school principals.

He is accused of assaulting Mr. Bassett during the school's prom at Sonesta Beach Resort on June 29, last year.

Butterfield reportedly attacked Mr. Bassett after his name was not initially called during a graduate roll call because his dreadlocks were not allegedly tied back or covered. "When they skipped me, that's when I went on stage and asked Mr. Bassett `why didn't you call my name?''' Butterfield said. "Then I asked him is it because I've got dreads. How come you don't like me? "I was looking at Mr. Bassett when Mr. Bassett got up out of his seat and gave me a little smirk.

"While I was talking to him. That's when I lost control. Then I went over to him and started hitting him.'' Butterfield, who was restrained by headtable guests and turned over a table before leaving the room, said: "I felt sorry that it happened, that it had to go this way.'' He later apologised to the students and guests for spoiling their evening. The incident disrupted the prom for some 45 minutes, the court heard. But he never apologised to Mr. Bassett.

Butterfield and his mother, Deborah Butterfield, both testified that he had his hair pulled back in a black elastic for the prom which included a sit-down meal. They noted that it was contrary to the Rastafarian religion to pray and eat with dreadlocks covered.

But Mr. Bassett said both were well aware of the headcovering required for the occasion and the school's grooming rules.

Mr. Bassett and the school's former guidance counsellor -- Sandra Dill, who was the emcee that night -- also testified that Butterfield's hair was not pulled back when he turned up at the hotel.

And they said despite discussions with Butterfield's mother and a warning from Mr. Bassett that the programme could not proceed unless Butterfield covered his locks, Butterfield -- who always covered his locks at school -- refused to cover his hair.

Butterfield and his mother confirmed this. And they admitted that they knew Mr. Bassett expected Butterfield to have his head covered.

"He did not want my son to show his hair,'' Ms Butterfield said. "But I said Mr. Bassett my son is a Rastafarian. He cannot sit at the table with his head uncovered. He would be the only one at the table with a hat.'' Mr. Bassett and Ms Dill said Butterfield was only allowed to participate in the ceremony after hitting Mr. Bassett because he tied his dreadlocks back.

But Butterfield and his mother insisted that this was not the case.

Ms Butterfield said: "A Rastafarian, whose daughter was participating, came to me and said if I tie my son's hair back tighter, he would probably be allowed to participate. So I did and the prom continued with Kiwon's name called.'' "The only thing I disapproved of was the lashing out,'' she added, referring to the attack. "I did not mind him speaking out for his rights because I could see he was hurt. But I was disappointed that he lashed out.'' The case was adjourned until next Tuesday when Butterfield's lawyer Elizabeth Christopher and Police prosecutor Sgt. Anthony Mouchette are expected to make submissions.