A FATHER JUST BEING A FATHER

A FATHER was found guilty yesterday in the District Court, of three charges
of assault as he removed his son from a house where he believed teenagers
were taking heroin.

His motivation was simple and understandable. As he told Judge Ken Taylor:
"I only have two sons. I do not have one to spare".

But as Harry Niceski admitted in court, he was wrong to use violence.

Yet it is difficult not to feel compassion for him under the circumstances.

Mr Niceski, of Queanbeyan, did what many parents have failed to do. He cared
sufficiently for the welfare of his 18-year-old son that he took action to
remove him from the presence of drugs. Tragically there is a complacent
attitude that has developed among modern parents.

Some believe the law supports the right of teenagers of a certain age to
reject parental supervision. Others even expect their children to experiment
with alcohol or drugs.

Parents who embrace this philosophy are letting down their children and
society. It is the responsibility of all parents to alert their children to
the dangers of drugs, supervise their activities and care for their
well-being.

Mr Niceski has realised what many other parents have ignored.

He told the court: "I should be spending more time with my family, looking
after my family".

Judge Taylor said the widespread use of illegal drugs had left very few
families untouched and differing attitudes in the community made it
difficult to find a solution.

Mr Niceski was placed on a $1000 two-year good behaviour bond. His son,
Mark, is back living at home.

Their experience is a stark reminder of the dangers posed to our youth by
the insidiousness of the drug culture and the responsibilities of
parenthood.

Checked-by: Don Beck