Father under protection order charged with assaulting 9-month-old daughter while in "dispute" with mother (Flaxmere, New Zealand)

The "dispute" language here is totally misleading. Mom had already taken out an order of protection against UNNAMED DAD. When he shows up anyway and bashes the 9-month-old baby, leaving her with serious injuries, that's not a "dispute." That's a violation of a protection order and an assault. Reporters: can we get straight on that, please?

http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/local/news/flaxmere-father-charged-with-assaulting-infant/3957285/

Flaxmere father charged with assaulting infant
MARK STORY | 27th June 2011

The 29-year-old father of a 9-month-old-girl hospitalised with serious injuries has now been charged with wounding with reckless disregard.

The infant was admitted to Hawke's Bay Hospital yesterday after allegedly being caught in the crossfire of a dispute between her parents at their Flaxmere property.

Police were called to the domestic incident at 5.30am.

The father was also charged with breaching a protection order after making a voluntary appearance at Hastings Police Station.

His baby daughter had since been moved from intensive care and was "progressing well".

Detective Sergeant Mark Moorhouse confirmed the child's father was due to appear in Hastings District Court today.

"The thing with young kids is that although she's doing much better, they [children] can deteriorate quickly, so it's a wait and see game at this stage," Mr Moorhouse said.

He said the child did not have any siblings. CYFs staff had been called in to assist the family.

Police confirmed they would oppose bail at the man's first court appearance today.