Photo: ODT files A Dunedin man who hit his favourite grandson in the genitals has fractured the family by his actions, a court has heard. Michael William Jeffery, 53, pleaded guilty to assaulting a child but before yesterday’s sentencing in the Dunedin District Court claimed his actions had been inadvertent. He said the teenage victim was thrashing around in bed and any blow he inflicted may have been "by accident". A prosecution summary facts put a different blush on the May 17 incident. After consuming alcohol, Jeffery visited his daughter’s home, where he continued drinking. At 9.30pm, intoxicated by that point, the defendant entered his grandson’s bedroom and remonstrated with the boy as he lay in bed. When Jeffery sat down, pinning him to the bed, the victim swore and demanded he get off. The grandfather responded by holding the teenager down by the throat. The victim’s brother heard the commotion and entered the room to see the ongoing assault. When he left to inform his mother, Jeffery struck the victim once in the genitals and once in the ribs, the court heard. Court documents noted the boy suffered bruising to his body and experienced a couple of days of testicular soreness. In a statement before the court he said he had since had trouble sleeping and had turned to a counsellor for assistance. Jeffery’s daughter said the incident had shattered the family and stressed the children did not want to see him. Counsel Karlena Lawrence said her client was now missing out on a relationship with his "favourite grandson" and felt isolated as a result. A report highlighted Jeffery’s propensity for violence and attitude problems, which prevented him from taking responsibility for his actions. Judge David Robinson said his choice was stark. Because home detention and community detention were infeasible, it was community work or jail. There was "a glimmer of hope" Jeffery would respond to rehabilitation programmes, he said. The judge imposed 100 hours’ community work and 12 months’ supervision. A protection order was granted in favour of the victim.
