Christchurch, Jan 20 NZPA - A Christchurch father was reunited with the four-year-old son he is accused of assaulting after a hearing in court today.

A psychologist's report paid for by the family made the difference, after a social worker sought another two weeks of separation to ensure the child was safe.

Christchurch District Court Judge David Saunders said the psychologist's report overruled the opinion of the social worker, and he deleted the bail condition that has separated the family and distressed the boy.

The man was remanded on bail to February 3, with defence counsel Jonathan Eaton continuing negotiations with the police about whether the prosecution should continue.

It is understood the incident took place about two weeks ago at the circus in Hagley Park.

The boy is diagnosed as having behavioural problems and when he threw a tantrum at the circus, he was slapped and pushed by his father, police said.

Mr Eaton said the father denied the slap but Child, Youth and Family Service became involved and the child was put in the care of his maternal grandfather.

Mr Eaton said the separation was causing problems.

"It is causing extraordinary distress to the family and in the opinion of the psychologist it is causing on-going harm to the child," he told the court.

Judge Saunders said he was satisfied there was a sound basis for allowing the boy home, having regard to the interests of the child.

He also accepted the application to have the man granted interim name suppression so that the boy would not be identified at a time when he is nearly due to begin studies at a private school.

The family also has a two-month-old baby at home.

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