A Christchurch musician convicted of assaulting his son has been sentenced to nine months' supervision and counselling.
James Mason, 50, was found guilty in May of punching his then four-year-old in the face and pulling his ear in 2007.
He was convicted and sentenced on Monday. The counselling he has been ordered to receive includes anger management classes.
In sentencing, the judge said this was not simply a case of Mason disciplining his child but an inappropriate response in anger to a stressful parenting situation.
Outside court, Mason maintained that he had not punched his son and said he is considering an appeal.
Police say they are pleased with the sentence handed down.
