May 03, 2010

Community detention for woman who beat grandson

By Mike Anstee

A grandmother who used a 30cm stick from a Maori traditional game to discipline her grandson was sentenced to serve four months community detention at Christchurch district court today.

Matekino Morgan, 54, had pleaded guilty to the charge of assault with a blunt instrument at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that the assault left the boy with bruising on his arms, legs, and bottom, and some of the bruising was extensive. The injuries were first noticed at school.

Defence counsel Carol Morgan informed the court that her client had been granted custody of her grandson when the boy was four years old and was also sharing her home with her grand-daughter, who she had custody of from birth.

She said since the woman had begun guardianship of her grandson, the boy had exhibited difficult behavioural issues and she believed he possibly suffered from foetal alcohol syndrome.

Matekino Morgan had contacted many services for help with her grandson?s behaviour to no avail and on the day of the offence had found herself in an ?overwhelming situation?.

?She is very remorseful for what she has done and hopes that these events might lead to her grandson receiving the help he needs. There was no premeditation. The fact she had picked up the stick is something she will regret for the rest of her life,? said Carol Morgan.

She argued that a term of imprisonment was unsuitable given Matekino Morgan?s ongoing responsibilities for her grand-daughter and that since the offence occurred she had taken steps to address the underlying issues that led to the assault.

Judge John Strettell said while Matekino Morgan had reacted positively since the offence, this had been ?a significant and serious assault on a defenceless child?.

?Whatever your emotional turmoil your assault cannot be excused.?

Judge Strettell also commented on the regularity of such offences coming before the court.

?It is a situation, regrettably, too often facing the court that people are left looking after children without the support needed to deal with difficult behaviours,? he said.

Morgan will be subject to a 12 hour daily curfew during the sentence.