[CT] Judge Strackbein doesn't protect Officer Knight's son & assures cop this can be resolved

...Knight claimed he only restrained his son to avoid an accident while driving home and “wrapped his son up” at the house in self-defense... Knight told police he was disciplining his son - “acting in a parental intervention role.” Judge Hillary Strackbein told Knight that after meeting with family relations officials and avoiding any further incidents, “things should work out”... In some domestic violence cases, a judge issues a protective order that prevents the victim from having contact with the person who allegedly assaulted him. No such order was issued in Knight's case...

"Assault" sounds more acceptable than "child abuse?"
How does the court promise leniency in the face of Officer Knight's alternate explanations.
How does a court promise leniency, period?
Who's looking out for the victim? Knight's son reported and is left in the wide-open.
What's the message to the son?

Norwich cop accused of assaulting son
TheDay, CT
By Karen Florin
5/30/2008
Norwich patrolman Warren Knight was referred to a family relations program Thursday when he appeared in court on charges that he assaulted his 17-year-old son last month at their home in Lisbon. Knight, 45, had turned himself in to Troop E Wednesday knowing that state police held a warrant for his arrest. He was charged with second-degree breach of peace and third-degree assault and released on a promise to appear in court. Judge Hillary B. Strackbein told Knight on Wednesday that if there were no new problems, his case could be resolved. He is scheduled to appear in court again July 10... Knight was angry at his son because he had just heard the teen was accused of cheating on a homework assignment. The father and son were arguing as Knight drove his pickup truck toward Lisbon, and the son told police that Knight pulled over to the side of the road and slapped the teen twice with an open hand, then grabbed him around the neck and pushed his head up against the side window. The teen told police that upon arriving home, Knight became angry when his son slammed the door. The teen said his father grabbed him around the neck again and that the son “took a swing” at the father, clipping his stomach with a fist. Knight became even angrier, the son said, and slammed him to the gravel driveway, put his hands around his neck and choked him. The boy's stepmother, who is Knight's wife, came out of the house and pulled Knight off the teen after about 30 seconds, according to the warrant. The son told police that this was the first time Knight had struck him. Knight's attorney, Richard Jaquin, said that Knight was acting “in a parental intervention role” by restraining his son... The investigating trooper, Brett A. Langevin, said in the arrest warrant that the teen had multiple small red scratches and abrasions on his left forearm and on the right side of his lower back as well as scratches and discoloration on the rear of his right ear and the side of his head. The teen told police he did not need medical attention, but was sore from being slammed to the ground. In some domestic violence cases, a judge issues a protective order that prevents the victim from having contact with the person who allegedly assaulted him. No such order was issued in Knight's case... [Full article here]

Norwich officer charged in assault says he was disciplining son, 17
Norwich Bulletin
By GREG SMITH
May 30, 2008 @ 01:51 AM
...Knight told police he was disciplining his son. Through his attorney, Richard Jaquin, he said he was “acting in a parental intervention role.” Judge Hillary Strackbein told Knight that after meeting with family relations officials and avoiding any further incidents, “things should work out.” His case was continued until July 20. Knight has yet to enter a plea. On April 28, Knight’s son claims, his father became angry after being notified of slipping grades and a detention he served that day for cheating on a homework assignment. Knight revoked his privileges, including participation in a school play, the teen told police... Knight claimed he only restrained his son to avoid an accident while driving home and “wrapped his son up” at the house in self-defense. Knight’s former wife, who picked up the teen after the incident, said Knight told her he slapped his son after the teen had taken a swing at him... Chief Louis Fusaro has ordered an internal investigation... [Full article here]