Dad pleads guilty to assault; punched 8-year-old daughter for not sleeping during his visitation time (Rockhampton, Australia)

Read between the lines. UNNAMED DAD paid child support. Therefore this assault--which Daddy has admitted to--took place during Daddy's visitation time. Of course, all he gets are useless parenting classes and probation. Will probably retain his visitation time, since nothing is said about that. And not one word about this girl's mother. How much you want to bet that Daddy has a track record of violence, and that this is not the first time he has punched somebody? How much you want to bet that some idiotic judge gave him his custodial rights anyway?

These kinds of situations have become a crisis in Australia, as joint custody is nearly mandatory.

INVISIBLE MOTHER ALERT.

http://www.ipswichadvertiser.com.au/story/2011/08/31/dad-punched-daughter-in-face-assault-police/

Daughter punched for not sleeping

Emma Mcbryde | 31st August 2011

WHEN an eight-year-old Rockhampton girl arrived at school with a black eye and a red mark on her neck, police were called.

Her dad, a father of seven, was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Police prosecutor Karen Dunham told Rockhampton Magistrates Court the man punched his daughter in the eye because she would not go to sleep.

Ms Dunham said the girl was unable to see through her injured eye for some time because of the severity of the blow to her face.

The girl’s father initially denied hitting her when questioned by police, but later pleaded guilty. He cannot be identified to protect his children’s identity.

The dad told police he had not seen his daughter since the night before and did not see her black eye.

The school reported the matter on June 23, 2011.

Defence lawyer Lance Rundle said his client was remorseful and was under a great deal of stress.

Mr Rundle said the man paid child support and was working to complete a parenting program and another program at Relationships Australia.

Last Friday Magistrate Barry Cosgrove placed the father on 12 months probation.

Senior Constable Mick Logan, from the Child Protection and Investigation Unit, said people could contact their local police station, the Department of Child Safety, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they suspected a child was being abused.

He said all reports would be treated with confidentiality.