Man sentenced for neglecting and physically abusing children
A man who neglected and physically abused his children with canes, whips, shoes and belts has today been jailed for six years.
The 42-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children, was convicted by a jury last April of neglecting four of his children and three counts of assaulting each of his sons on dates between January and September 2007.
The man, who has several previous convictions, has been sentenced to seven years with the final year suspended.
The court heard the accused used to beat and kick his three sons, while his daughters now aged 11 and seven were described as being filthy and smelly when they were taken into care in 2007.
Their foster mother said they ate like savages, their underwear had not been changed in days, they were not schooled and that the younger girl's hair was riddled with lice that took weeks to clear.
While his father the accused denies using anything other than his hands to strike his children, he admitted he may have gone overboard disciplining his eldest who is now 14.
The court also heard that the teenager now blames himself for his father's treatment while his 13-year-old brother has often expressed suicidal thoughts.
