Violent dad gets lesson in good parenting

A violent father who slapped and hit his 1-year-old son because the toddler pulled his sibling’s hair has received a stern reminder about good parenting.

The assault ended only when Ihaka John Richard Daly’s partner intervened.

‘‘Assault on a child is never, ever acceptable,’’ Judge Lance Rowe told Daly in the Palmerston North District Court yesterday.

‘‘As a dad, you know the way you behave towards your children shapes their world. It gives them their frame of reference. It helps them learn what to expect in the world and how to behave in the world.’’

The judge asked Daly how he’d feel if in 15 or 20 years’ time, his 1-year-old was standing where he was – in the dock – because his dad set a bad example.

‘‘You need to devote your life to [the 1-year-old’s] safety and that of your other children and your soon-to-be-born child and be a role model they can be proud of.’’

Daly and his partner were in their Palmerston North bedroom with their four children, all aged under 6, shortly before 9am on May 12. Daly snapped when he heard his 3-year-old scream because their hair was being pulled by the younger brother.

‘‘You got up and started slapping and hitting [the 1-year-old] across the body and across the face until your partner intervened and cradled [the 1-year-old] to protect him,’’ Rowe told Daly.

Daly then picked up an X-box controller and hurled it into the wall.

His son suffered minor bruising to his face.

Daly, 26, unemployed, admitted one charge of assaulting a child.

Since the incident he’s been on bail, unable to see his children and partner.

This was relaxed slightly by the judge, who sentenced Daly to 12 months’ intensive supervision.

Rowe will receive regular reports on Daly’s progress as he undertakes non-violence and tikanga Ma¯ ori programmes.

Until the judge sees improvement, Daly cannot spend the night with his partner and children.