'Tyrannical' father who beat children with belt at home avoids custody
He cruelly made the youngsters kneel for prolonged periods, a court heard
A cruel father who beat his wife and children has been spared immediate custody after convincing the court he wants to change.
The man, who cannot be named to protect the identities of the children, was described as “tyrannical” in the way he instilled fear into his family.
He admitted charges of coercive control, three counts of child cruelty and one of criminal damage.
Leeds Crown Court heard on one occasion he hit a child with a belt repeatedly all over their body which was described as being like “torture”.
After finally being arrested, he denied offending through a prepared statement.
Mitigating, Samreen Akhtar said he had “taken steps to address his behaviour” and had sought help.
She added: “He has shown genuine remorse. He accepts the environment of fear he had in the family home.
“He wishes to apologise to his family members.”
Judge Simon Phillips KC told the man: “They should have been protected and safeguarded by you.
“This was somewhat of a tyrannical regime.
“They [the attacks] were unprovoked and inexcusable with lasting consequences.
“They have suffered inexcusably.”
Despite this, he told the defendant he was “persuaded just” that his sentence could be suspended.
He pointed to his lack of previous convictions, his remorse and his determination to seek help.
He jailed him for 34 months, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation days with probation and a 26-session domestic violence-awareness course.