A correctional officer is to re-appear in court in October on a charge of child assault, stemming from an incident at the Metcalfe Street juvenile centre in Kingston, on February 12, last year.

Charged is Andrew Ricketts, who is employed to the Department of Correctional Services.

It is alleged that the correctional officer gave instructions for a ward to slap another child in the face, causing his eardrum to rupture.

Following an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that Ricketts should be charged with causing a child to be assaulted contrary to the Child Care and Protection act.

Yesterday, Ricketts was placed before the Kingston and St. Andrew parish court in relation to the charge.

He was bound over for the next court appearance on October 13.