From The Straits Times · · 1m
Canadian bridal shop owner cleared after hanging child on coat hook
Canadian bridal shop owner Rodney Philpott cleared of child assault after court ruled no criminal conviction.
In brief
Canadian bridal shop owner Rodney Philpott cleared of child assault after court ruled no criminal conviction. Rodney Philpott, 54, received absolute discharge for hanging a 7-year-old boy on a coat hook after being found guilty in July. Originally reported by The Straits Times.
Rodney Philpott
Canadian bridal shop owner Rodney Philpott was found guilty in July of assaulting a 7-year-old boy.
Hanging child on coat hook
Philpott hung the boy on a coat hook after turning the hood of his winter coat inside out.
Absolute discharge granted
A judge granted Philpott an absolute discharge in September, meaning no criminal conviction was recorded.
Judge's reasoning
The judge described the act as ill-advised horseplay, not malicious, noting the boy was hyperactive and distracting in the store.
No public threat
Despite the boy's distress, the judge ruled Philpott posed no threat to the public and was a respected community member.
The takeaway
Rodney Philpott, 54, received absolute discharge for hanging a 7-year-old boy on a coat hook after being found guilty in July.
