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James Mason and his son - Source: ONE News -
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The Christchurch man sentenced for assaulting his young son says he's considering a political career to try to sort out the problem of violence in the home and misbehaving youth.
Musician James Mason escaped a jail term but has been put under supervision for nine months and ordered to take anger management courses after being found guilty by a jury of assaulting his four-year-old's son.
The court case followed an incident in central Christchurch when Mason's two sons had gone down a ramp on a bridge on their bikes and one had fallen and hurt his head.
Mason says he flicked the four-year-old on the ear and denies the police claim that he punched him in the face.
Mason told Breakfast he's not sure if he will appeal or go and do something to fix the problem, rather than wait many months for another court hearing.
He says he's considering a political career, and it would be as an independent because he's "pretty much untouchable goods" for political parties as he's deemed to be a violent person.
Mason says if he did appeal it would be to have to charges split so he knows exactly what he was convicted of - a punch or an ear flick.
He says he doesn't regret what he did on the bridge.
He says his options were to abandon the children, do nothing which would be to neglect an injured child, or flick one on the ear to make him come to him.
What do you think of James Mason's response to his sentencing?
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Post new commentMariat said on 2009-06-30 @ 16:18 NZDT: Report abusive post
A flick on his son's ear?? come on people the father didn't punch his son in the face. I just don't believe this If he did punch his son the little boy would of been in the hospital hello!!. I total support James Mason, he wasn't trying to hurt his son.
SueGreen said on 2009-06-30 @ 12:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree that this is a complete waste of police time. If a father is actually out riding bikes, walking - spending time with his children (Not shoving them in front of a television to fry their brains - like so many kiwi kids) In my opinion he is doing OK! If he flicks his childs ear as a way to get his attention (lets face it kids dont listen all the time) and on a road where there are vehicles to harm or even kill the child I think his actions were warranted. Political Correctness gone MAD!
Alf said on 2009-06-30 @ 09:20 NZDT: Report abusive post
I know James and his family personally - I can say he is not 'unemployed'. Please people - let's not jump to our own bigoted opinions because he is Maori. The last thing Jim and family want is celebrity status - they've already moved once and periodically pull the kids out of school because of the attention this case has received. There is nothing wrong with a man defending himself when he believes he is right. He is a good father, his family is beautiful.
dancingqueen said on 2009-06-30 @ 08:00 NZDT: Report abusive post
I absoultely admire this man. Here he was protecting his child, from otherwise possibly being hurt, and you have a nosy parker, sticking her nose into someone elses business. Probably a mate of Bradford's. Why doesn't she put up a fight against children being abused instead of a level headed man taking care of his children. I am right behind you James, you did what you had to at the time. Gawd these PC idiots make me sick.
dds9905 said on 2009-06-29 @ 20:14 NZDT: Report abusive post
I feel sorry for him. My ex partner punched my son in the face and after putting him on the stand for nearly 3 hours in a pre depositions hearing she walked away due to lack of evidence. The law seems to work in funny ways and seems some get off some don't