Jail term imposed on 'remorseless' father

By David Clarkson

Strapping his 10-year-old son 12 times has brought a six month jail term for a father described as “remorseless” by the judge.

Judge David McKegg said he did not accept the pre-sentence report’s recommendation for community work and supervision for Carey Steven Gillett.

The Christchurch father had admitted charges of assault on a child and breach of a protection order.

“The fact is, you are remorseless and you are a high risk of reoffending,” said the judge.

“This offending arose from a misguided belief in your authority to wield violence to your family,” he said.

After a disagreement with his son, he directed him to take off the bulk of his clothing and then used a leather strap to strike him across the forearms as he held his hands out, and then repeatedly struck the child across his thighs and back.

“You saw this as justifiable correction.”

Judge McKegg said Gillett also accosted his wife in an aggressive and frightening way, seeking concessions from her that he was not entitled to. She declined.

“It was a clear, flagrant, and arrogant breach of the protection order,” said the judge.

The pre-sentence report described Gillett as having “a rigid belief system”.

“That has remained unchanged since this matter occurred. The presumption is that your views on striking that child or any child under your control seem unlikely to change. You are therefore a high risk of reoffending.”

He jailed McKegg and ordered him to do a Stopping Violence programme, or other counselling as directed, as part of his six-months of post-release conditions.