(WXIA/NBC) - A Georgia teacher accused of choke-slamming a student across a lunch table appeared in court Tuesday.
The incident happened on April 19, 2017 at the Lumpkin County Alternative School.
Video released shows the victim and another student throwing Styrofoam plates at each other.
As students leave the cafeteria, an exchange happens between the teacher, Tim Garner, and the 17-year-old.
Garner chest bumps the student and then grabs him by the throat and slams him onto the lunchroom table.
Garner appeared in court Tuesday and claims the student initiated the attack.
His brother, a special education teacher who worked with students at the alternative school, including the 17-year-old victim, took the stand Tuesday.
He said the victim has a history of behavioral issues and described him as violent towards a student and teachers.
Garner's brother was the only one who testified during the two-hour hearing.
His next appearance in court will be Sept. 4.
Courtesy WXIA via NBC News Channel
