In Auckland, New Zealand, a nun has pleaded guilty to two charges of assault on a child.
Sister Leva-i-Fangalupe Fono was one of the teachers leading a group practice of an action song for upcoming celebrations at St Patrick’s, Panmure, in April last year.
She yelled at the girl, flicked her in the head and broke the girl’s arm when she twisted it behind her back.
Leva had originally denied a charge of assault on a child and injuring the girl with reckless disregard when her trial at the Auckland District Court began Monday June 17.
But on Wednesday she pleaded guilty to two charges of assault on a child shortly after the Crown finished calling evidence against her and effectively removed the more serious charge of injuring with reckless disregard.
Judge Taumaunu said both Sister Leva, the girl and her family would take part in a Restorative Justice conference. The outcome of the conference is likely to impact on Sister Leva’s sentence.
But whatever the result, Crown prosecutor Michael Walker said he would not be asking the court to send Sister Leva to jail.
Auckland Diocese spokeswoman Lyndsay Freer said she could not comment on the case specifically.
She said the church has a “zero tolerance” for violence in parishes and schools. No one from St Patrick’s Church was available for comment.
Source
- New Zealand Herald
- Image:UNICEF
