Custodial dad gets 2 years probation for whipping 6-year-old son with rope (Hervey Bay, Australia)

UNNAMED DAD, who is identified here as single or custodial, has been sentenced to 2 years probation for whipping his 6-year-old son with a rope. The child was hit on the head and the legs. Dad pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm charges.

I'm not sure what happened to the boy's mum; she seems to be out of the picture entirely. When Dad realized he'd "gone too far," he called his OWN father to take care of the boy for a while. After a few weeks, the grandfather dutifully returned the boy to the father's custody. How NICE.

The excuses made for this father are utterly nauseating and WOULD NEVER FLY with a single mother. Poor daddy was under "enormous pressure trying to juggle a full-time job with the care of his son"? Well boo hoo. Single moms pull off this balancing act every day, and it's just expected they'll do it all. Suck it up, dude.

http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2010/04/01/under-pressure-dad-whips-son-with-skipping-rope/

Dad whips son with skipping rope
Loretta Bryce 1st April 2010

A FATHER who whipped his six-year-old son with a skipping rope because the boy had played up at school has been sentenced to two years probation.

The 27-year-old Hervey Bay man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim, pleaded guilty in the Maryborough District Court to assault occasioning bodily harm.

Crown prosecutor Michael Spencer said the father received a call from the boy’s school on September 9 last year and was asked to collect his child because he was misbehaving.

Once they arrived home the man lashed out in a fit of anger.

“He picked up a black skipping rope and hit (the child) with it ... on his head and legs,” Mr Spencer said.

The boy was left with a distinctive red mark across his forehead.

Realising he had gone too far with his discipline, the man called his own father in distress.

He told the older man he’d “lost the plot” and needed someone to take care of the child.

The defendant then drove his child to the boy’s grandfather’s house.

Defence barrister Jim Fairlie told the court the single dad had been under enormous pressure trying to juggle a full-time job with the care of his son.

Mr Fairlie said his client had undergone extensive rehabilitation involving counselling with community health staff.

The child spent several weeks with his grandfather before being returned to his father’s custody.
Judge David Reid said it was clear the father felt remorse and embarrassment about the incident.

“It’s a community expectation that children are to be disciplined, without being excessively disciplined,” Judge Reid said.

“I do know that children can frustrate you from time to time but it’s vitally important you don’t lose your temper.

“Sometimes it’s best to walk outside and leave the child in the house for a few minutes while you calm down.”