Burqa teen case: Father denies beating daughter

Police allege the girl was instructed by family members to cover up with a burqa - a covering the girl said she does not usually wear. Photo / Thinkstock

A father has denied criminal charges laid over allegations he beat his daughter and then imprisoned her at home to hide her injuries, which included a broken nose and broken tooth.

Police also allege the girl was told to cover up with a burqa to keep any injuries hidden.

The man, whose name is suppressed to protect his daughter's identity, appeared in the Manukau District Court today and pleaded not guilty to one charge each of injuring with intent to injure, unlawfully detaining and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Defence lawyer William McNicol said the man, who was assisted in the dock by an interpreter, elected to face trial by jury.

The man was remanded in custody by Judge Claire Ryan until next week when Mr McNicol will make a bail application.

It's alleged that in August the man confronted his 15-year-old daughter at home after hearing she had hugged and kissed another girl. He is accused of hitting her with an umbrella.

In September, the man allegedly attacked the girl in anger again, this time upon hearing she had smoked at school. He is accused of hitting his daughter with a stick, punching and slapping her and pulling her up by her hair.

A draft police summary of facts said the girl suffered injuries after both alleged attacks. The September incident is said to have left her with a broken nose and a broken tooth.

The man is also accused of unlawfully detaining the girl at home for 14 days in September as he was concerned her injuries would be noticed at school.

The most series charge the man faces carries a maximum term of 14 years' jail.