Judge Stephen O’Driscoll told a mother appearing in Christchurch District Court she needed to learn different strategies so she didn't take her frustrations out on her son. Photo / 123rfJudge Stephen O’Driscoll told a mother appearing in Christchurch District Court she needed to learn different strategies so she didn't take her frustrations out on her son. Photo / 123rfA mother who pushed and then slapped her 3-year-old autistic son in the head was too drunk to comment when confronted about her actions. And while there were no visible injuries, today the single mother was told she needs to learn different strategies so she doesn’t take her frustrations out on her son, who is still living with her. “It is not easy to bring up children by yourself but the use of violence is inappropriate,” Judge Stephen O’Driscoll told her in the Christchurch District Court.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 13, 2026 15:32 UTC