Unlike Primary where all beltings were at the front of the class, at Secondary school most strappings were given in the corridor just beyond the classroom door, not this one by the look of it. William stood up and walked slowly over to the teacher’s desk. You could have cut the air with a knife; the attention of all in the room as this little drama played out was utter.
William stood a couple of inches taller than McNulty and offered no defense or complaint when McNulty stood up and said “Hands out, two hands, cross them boy”. It was the first time I had seen anyone belted out of uniform. William crossed his hands tentatively but uncertainly,