This is political correctness gone mad!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Alan did. If it helps the intern improve his performance, then it's all worthwhile.
Being smacked about the head is something that many of us were subjected to in school. In Sec 2, I had 40 exercise books thrown at my face. There were supposed to be 41 in the pile but I didn't
pass up my homework which is what triggered the assault.
My maths grades improved significantly after that incident and I did all my homework diligently from then on.
There should be more like Alan in this world. It will help lift the skill levels of the sinkie workforce.