Mother faces assault charge over 'hog-tying' of son

A mother has been charged, together with her husband, with assault after her 16-year-old son was allegedly "hog-tied" in binding tape and beaten.

Barbara Joy Scoles, 40, denies an assault took place, claiming she and her husband, Kevin Matthew Bishop, were forced to restrain her son after he became verbally and physically abusive while travelling with them in a car in January.

The mother faces one assault charge and her husband, the boy's stepfather, three charges of assault after the incident at Rangitata, South Canterbury.

Both were due to appear in the Timaru District Court yesterday to face the charges but were bailed without appearing and will instead appear for a hearing next month.

It is alleged that 16-year-old Timothy Gerald Young suffered open wounds, bruising and scratches after being hog-tied in binding tape, punched and kicked.

The boy is not in the care of his mother and stepfather, who are farmers in Mayfield, Mid-Canterbury.