The court heard the man, who has since removed his daughters from the school, went to the school to support his wife in a discussion with a classroom teacher over issues affecting one of the children.

“Events spiralled out of control over what he saw as a lack of action on the school’s part,” said the man’s solicitor Michael Evans.

“He realises he has behaved inappropriately and he has apologised for that.”

Mr Evans emphasised his client made no physical contact with the principal during the incident, when he intervened in the discussion with the class teacher.

“My client is extremely embarrassed and ashamed,” Mr Evans said.

“He left the school when asked and has not been back since.”

Both Mr Evans and the magistrate, Terry Lucas made reference to a line that was apparently physically drawn between the principal and the accused during the confrontation in June last year.

“I just said back off,” the accused said in a statement to police.

Mr Evans said on the day of the altercation his client and his client’s wife were in a heightened state of anxiety, having just found out about a close family member’s cancer diagnosis.

Mr Lucas said he had the option of sending the man to jail for two years.

“Teachers are not there to be abused by angry parents,” he said.

“But I am satisfied you will never be back before this court.”

The man pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was found guilty earlier this year.