Wellington - New Zealander James Mason, 49, who has admitted he disciplined his two sons by flicking them on the ear, was sent for trial on assault charges Thursday, news reports said. Mason, a Christchurch musician, is one of the first parents to be prosecuted under a so-called anti-smacking law passed by parliament last year that removed the right to physically discipline children without being charged with assault.
His sons were aged two and five last December when Mason, who denies the assault charges, was reported to have hit the children by a teacher and an off-duty police officer.
A minor political party will campaign at this year's general election for a referendum to overturn the anti-smacking law.
