Little boy bruised and beaten after Toowoomba father ‘snapped’

A Toowoomba dad who pleaded guilty to beating his seven-year-old son with a metal spatula has been sentenced before the courts.

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A Toowoomba father has been slapped with a $1500 fine after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his primary-school-aged son with a metal spatula, occasioning bodily harm.

The man, aged in his 40s, cannot legally be named to protect the child’s identity.

When the man entered his plea before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday, December 13, the court heard following the assault the Department of Child Safety intervened, removing the man from the household.

The court heard following an incident at school the man beat the seven-year-old with a metal spatula to his arms, legs, and back, which caused bruising.

Solicitor Chelsea Saldumbide told the court the man’s bail condition prevented him from having any contact with the child.

“There’s no formal (child safety) application before the court, there’s a safety plan at present,” she said.

“Following today’s conclusion (it) will not allow him to have any immediate contact.

“Child Safety is concerned about the nature of the bruising, the injuries from this isolated event.”

Police prosecution said a probation order was within range for the crime, however a fine was imposed given the man’s rehabilitation efforts with the assistance of Child Safety.

Mrs Saldumbide said the child was told his dad had been away for work and was unaware of the situation.

“Yesterday, very sadly he was asked by his mother… ‘what do you want for Christmas?’ And he just cried and said he wants his dad to come home,” she said.

“This is the first time, on my instructions, that my client has ever exerted any form of physical discipline.

“He was raised in a different manner where he was never smacked as a child.

“It was just a culmination of significant behavioural issues that led to him ultimately snapping.

She said the man was extremely remorseful, missed his son, and was trying to better himself through the Child Safety parenting programs as well as seeking mental health support through his general practitioner.

Letters of support were tendered to the court, including one from his employer stating he was a well-respected employee.

The court heard that the man had no entries on his criminal history.

Magistrate Mark Howden noted the man was struggling to cope with a significant amount of stress at the time and had been arguing with his partner.

“The consequences for you have been nothing short of devastating and no doubt devastating for your seven-year-old son as well,” he said.

“(Your partner) says there’s never been an incident like this in the past and she is of the view this is out of character… and remains in support of you.

“Your employer is also very supportive of you,” he said.

He said he accepted the assault was indeed out of character, the man was extremely remorseful, and that he was working hard to comply with Child Safety.

Mr Howden told the father he sincerely hoped he would be reunited with the child for Christmas.

He said although police prosecution asked for a probation order to be imposed, the man properly did not need it given the work he was already doing.

“I do think a fine needs to be imposed to deter you and others who may consider disciplining children in this excessive manner,” he said.

The $1500 fine was referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) and no conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Little boy bruised and beaten after Toowoomba father ‘snapped’