THE case of a father hauled before a court for slapping his young son will no doubt divide opinion.

Some will feel the case should never have reached magistrates courts – let alone a crown court – for his physical chastisement of a child which left no lasting physical effect.

Others will take the view that no child should be hit as a punishment under any circumstances.

In England and Northern Ireland there is a defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ for minor assaults on children – but this is surely very difficult to police.

What one person regards as reasonable chastisement another would view as excessive force.

One thing for sure is that this will have a lasting impact on all the lives concerned and will make many wonder why it should ever have been brought before the courts in the first place.

Is this a wise use of public funds in the criminal justice system?

Could it not have been dealt with as a police caution so the man knew he had perhaps crossed a legal line and must never do it again.

After all, the court heard he was deeply remorseful and regretted his actions. Should that have not been enough in these circumstances?

He now fears he could lose his job and the court heard that he has had no contact with his family since the incident.

One thing is for sure. Everyone involved in this case seems to be worse off as a result of it coming to court.