Father 'caned children with crop'

The man said he did not hit his children when 'angry or engraged'

A father of three has told a trial he caned his children with a riding crop "to instil discipline" and to stop them going "off the rails".

The 52-year-old, described as a devout Christian, denies three charges of cruelty at Cardiff Crown Court.

The jury heard he was arrested after his seven-year-old son dialled 999 after a row at the family home.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also denies common assault on his wife by butting her.

The jury was shown the leather riding crop, believed to be about 70 years old.

The trial heard his children are aged from seven to 12.

One of them told the jury his hand felt like it was "on fire" after his father hit him with the crop.

I don't hit them hard - I am extremely careful. I've never used it when I've lost my temper or when I've been angry or enraged Father-of-three on trial

The court heard the father was a devout Christian who gave up a career in engineering to study divinity.

The man told the hearing: "I used it as a deterrent. I'm trying to instil discipline to the children.

"I don't wish for them to go off the rails. I'm actively trying to be a good father, to bring them up knowing right and wrong.

"I'm trying to instil discipline but children don't like that - they like to run free from parental control."

'Temper'

He added: "The riding crop is a deterrent. It would be used only on the palm of the hand, never to cause injury.

"I don't hit them hard - I am extremely careful. I've never used it when I've lost my temper or when I've been angry or enraged."

The man was asked if he thought using the riding crop was acceptable.

He replied: "I suppose I have to bend to modern society and say I shouldn't use it."

The trial continues.