A religious studies teacher drove into two pupils who had behaved badly in his classes at a school in northern Italy, causing the teenage schoolboys minor injuries.
The teacher had just arrived at the school car park when he allegedly spotted the two trouble-makers and mowed them down with his car.
Colleagues were unable to explain the actions of the teacher, who they described as ''mild-mannered''.
The boys, who doctors said would make a full recovery in five days, admitted they had played up in class when the teacher had taken them for religious studies the previous year.
''Nothing offensive or serious - just making a bit of a racket and not paying attention,'' they told daily La Stampa.
The teacher has been reported for grievous bodily harm and failing to provide assistance.
