In a widely publicized case, a Christchurch musician, who has already been convicted for assaulting his four-year-old son, will be arguing his case before the Supreme Court in the month of October. This case has managed to attract a lot of publicity and is also being seen as a test case for people who are supporting the anti-smacking legislation.

James Mason, who is 51 years old, was declared guilty by a Christchurch District Court at a trial that was held last year. He was convicted of punching his four-year old son in the face and also for pulling his ear in December 2007.

On the other hand, Mason has denied that he punched his son but admitted that he pulled his hair and flicked his ear. He has argued that he should have been charged with two different offences and not separately for the punch and the ear pulling.

Mason also represented himself at the Court of Appeal. It upheld the earlier decision and confirmed a sentence of nine months supervision and also to undertake programs as per the directions of the Probation Service.

The case has attracted a lot of publicity and while some people are supporting it, others feel that the verdict is very harsh.

The appeal of Mason will be heard by the Supreme Court from October 19.