A "self-made" man who admitted a sustained attack on his 15-year-old daughter was granted final name suppression by Judge Raoul Neave in the Queenstown District Court yesterday.
The 42-year-old admitted assaulting his daughter with intent to injure her at their home on August 23 after finding out she had a boyfriend.
Judge Neave said the man came to New Zealand in 1991 and had raised three children, all of whom were born in New Zealand.
"There is an expectation they would be treated the same as any other New Zealand child..
"Your primary concern that your daughter should be focusing on her studies rather than ... relationships with boys - many a father may agree. You overreacted ..."
Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin said there was "significant public interest" involved and submitted suppression should be lifted.
"New Zealand in 2011 is a different country to what it was in 1991. We have a mixed culture in New Zealand now ... I believe that on some occasions a signal needs to be sent out from the court."
Judge Neave refused to lift the suppression, but said those who came to New Zealand with "significant social or cultural norms or values" needed to "make the necessary adjustment".
"I have insufficient knowledge of cultural practice to know the extent of the attempt to control your daughter's life.
"Even if I assume that is correct I suspect ... the level of violence that was inflicted in this case wouldn't be acceptable there ... I would condemn it there as I condemn it here."
Judge Neave said after learning of his daughter's boyfriend, she was made to get out of bed and go on to Facebook to find out "what contact she can have with this male friend".
"You read the page, pulled her and repeatedly slapped her about the face and head, pushing her against the wall.
"Her nose began to bleed and the victim screamed at her mother and you, asking [you] to stop. No-one came to her aid. [This] does the family no credit whatsoever.
"She was begging you to stop but you continued. You grabbed her and punched her about the chin, pulled her on to the couch, hit her again while she was being pinched in the back and shoulder area."
The man continued to read the social networking page and each time he came across something which "upset" him, he slapped her again.
"You finally uplifted a chair next to her and brought it down on her, making contact with her left arm."
After the beating, which lasted about 45 minutes, the teenager was allowed to go to bed. She suffered bruises to her arms and head and soreness to her head, arms and jaw.
The man had been in custody since his appearance about six weeks ago.
Judge Neave had concerns at some of the comments his daughter had made.
"She is sorry for what she did - she has nothing to be ashamed of. I would hate [it if] your behaviour has been successful in culling her into submission. She has forgiven you. Whether you deserve it remains to be seen."
The man was sentenced to 250 hours' community work, with leave to convert the hours to training and 12 months' supervision with special conditions.
