Boy's words move jurors

Several jurors wiped tears from their eyes as a 12-year-old boy gave evidence yesterday of how he placed a toy padlock outside his window to make himself "feel safe".

He was testifying at the jury trial of his 41-year-old mother, who faces 14 counts of assault against three of her children.

The charges include seven counts of assault with a weapon, variously a wooden spoon, jug cord, fibreglass tent pole, sandals or a belt; and seven counts of assaulting a child under the age of 14 by hitting with her hand.

The incidents allegedly took place in Gisborne, Napier and Invercargill between April 2006 and March 2008. Judge Stephen O'Driscoll told the jury the trial was being held in the Dunedin District Court because of convenience.

In his opening address, Crown prosecutor Craig Power said the Crown's case was that the accused's actions were mistreatment and not parental discipline, a defence allowed under recently introduced anti-smacking legislation.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES