Man faces court on smacking charge

A man has been arrested and charged with actual bodily harm for
smacking a child, police have confirmed.

The incident, involving a child of about four, was alleged to have
happened outside a DIY store in Sutton, Greater London.

The police said such cases were unusual and may have been prompted
by the recent publicity around the smacking debate.

Last week MPs backed an amendment to the Children Bill passed by
peers that allows parents to give their child a “light smack”
only.

A new clause tabled by the government for a national minimum
allowance for foster carers to become part of the bill was also
successful. The bill goes back to the House of Lords this week.