CHILD ABUSER GETS A SLAP ON THE WRIST

The horrifying case of a five-year-old boy viciously beaten by his father has touched the hearts of Victorians. Herald Sun readers moved by yesterday's story of Brandon's physical and emotional abuse have offered to send clothes, toys and money to show him that people care. Two mothers of boys the same age were so concerned they offered to adopt Brandon. A factory worker said he wanted to give $50 a week to help give Brandon a better life.

But the treatment of the boy, and of the man responsible, moved many others to anger. The Herald Sun revealed yesterday that Brandon's father, Damien Paul Ripper, was sentenced to only 18 months' jail for recklessly causing serious injury to his son. Ripper, 30, has 349 convictions, including many for crimes of violence.

Residents in Morwell, where the abuse occurred, are planning a petition to demand an appeal be lodged and a heavier sentence imposed. And a nurse who treated Brandon after he was rescued by police said she was disgusted by the light sentence. She was "sick and tired of seeing these people get away with what they do to defenceless children". She said on 3AW: "When is the court system going to listen to public outrage and consensus on these issues?"

Ripper's sister branded her brother a liar for blaming a difficult childhood and a beating from his stepfather for turning him to violence. Lisa said Damien was "once again using his lies to get away with hurting this little boy". "I want it known clear as a bell . . . Dad never ever laid a finger on any of us. Never," Lisa said. "What Damien did is the lowest of lowest form. For the courts to say he took (Brandon) in and they should credit him for that is a crock. Damien only took him in to get extra benefits so he could get more drugs. "Please don't let him get away with blaming everyone else for his choices. Isn't it about time someone got what they deserved?"

The Director of Public Prosecutions is believed to be considering an appeal but would not comment yesterday. A Department of Human Services spokesman said yesterday the boy was now in good care. He is believed to be with responsible relatives in a safe home. The County Court has expedited publication of Judge Fred Davey's sentencing remarks.

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Another comment:

Where is the justice when a helpless little boy is battered but his savage attacker is let off with a mere slap on the wrist? Violent offender Damien Paul Ripper broke his son's jaw and pounded other parts of his body in one of the worst child abuse cases police have seen. The five-year-old was bashed for being too slow to eat his breakfast and locked in a Morwell home unit after the belting.

Ripper's criminal record stretches to a staggering 349 prior convictions for offences including vicious assaults and threats to kill. Yet he was sentenced to an 18-month minimum -- just one-tenth of the maximum jail term of 15 years allowed by law for recklessly causing serious injury.

Welfare groups have branded the penalty a disgrace and want an appeal. As child protection campaigner Hetty Johnson asks: "What's the use of having maximum sentences if they never impose them?" The sentencing judge noted the offender's difficult childhood and told Ripper, 30, his sentence would have been longer if he had not pleaded guilty. But surely the judiciary must reflect community views and impose tough punishments to help protect society's most vulnerable members from our worst criminals.


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