One more prosecution under smacking law

One person was prosecuted and eight people warned over child "smacking" events, according to the figures released by police for the last six months of 2009.

The prosecution was dealt with by way of diversion and was the second prosecution since the controversial "anti-smacking" legislation became law in June 2007.

Of 39 "minor acts of physical discipline" brought to the attention of police, one resulted in prosecution, 37 in warnings and one resulted in no further action being taken.

In December, Prime Minister John Key asked police to continue their regular reporting of action taken under the legislation for a further three years.

Deputy Police Commissioner Rob Pope said the figures showed police continued to apply discretion in handling "anti-smacking" cases.

- NZPA