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James Mason and his son - Source: ONE News -
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The Christchurch man convicted of assaulting one of his sons says he will continue to smack his children.
James Mason, 49, was found guilty of pulling his four-year-old son's ear and punching him in the face. He was acquitted of two other charges of assault in respect of the four-year-old and another son.
The case was widely seen as a test of the anti-smacking laws because Mason publicly claimed that he had done no more than administer a flick on the ear.
He has always claimed it was reasonable force and refuses to accept he has done anything wrong.
On Monday he was sentenced to nine months supervision and will be required to undergo counselling and anger management.
Mason says he will continue to discipline his children, with a flick of the ear or a smack if they need it.
What do you think of James Mason's response to his sentencing? Share on our message board below:
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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