An elderly Chinese man who touched a toddler's penis while he was in a swimming pool changing room has avoided a conviction as the practice is acceptable behavior in China.
Changfu Ren, 79, has appeared in Christchurch District Court in New Zealand to face sentencing over the incident in August last year.
The grandfather, who moved to New Zealand since 2009, was in the changing rooms of the Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre when he approached the child who was with his father.
The small boy was getting changed when Ren began to laugh. He then reached over and touched the boy's penis in a flicking motion.
He laughed again and gently pinched the boy's penis before the father told him to stop, Stuff reported.
The boy had reminded Ren of his grandson in China who he missed, Ren told police.
He said he had been showing affection and was unaware it was an offence in New Zealand.
Judge Alistair Garland agreed that it was a 'cultural mistake' and also agreed a conviction would have a 'substantial effect on his self-esteem'.
'The practice needs to be understood in terms of Mr Ren's culture, which places a much higher status or value on male children than female children. Genitals were perceived as a symbol of the revered male gender.'
Ren was discharged without conviction.
Chinese man who touched toddler's penis avoids conviction
The grandfather, who moved to New Zealand since 2009, was in the changing rooms of the Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre when he approached the child who was with his father.
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