CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - A Carson City man who spanked his girlfriend's daughters with a spatula has been sentenced to one year probation on a charge of gross misdemeanor child neglect.

A lawyer for 36-year-old Cameron Jackson says he grabbed the spatula to swat the girls when the three- and 4-year-old sisters got too close to an open window.

Jackson told District Judge Bill Maddox at yesterday's sentencing that he never tried to hurt the girls. He said, quoting now, "Where I come from, spanking is not against the law."

Judge Maddox said that many people justify using corporal punishment because it was used on them as children. But he says that doesn't mean it's right.

Maddox suspended a 120-day jail sentence. In addition to probation, he ordered Jackson to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, complete anger management and parenting classes. He also told Jackson he cannot be left alone to supervise the children.

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