AN underaged salesboy was punched four times in the ribs by his boss because he gave five bags of yaqona on credit to his father, the Suva Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
Businessman Brian Reuben, 30, appeared before Magistrate Alipate Mataitini on a charge of assault.
Police prosecutor Caroline Fisher informed the court the incident occurred on August 7. last year.
She then informed the court that the accused and the victim have since reconciled.
However, Magistrate Mataitini ordered the accused to pay $40 to the complainant by Friday as the result of his unacceptable behaviour.
Reuben was also warned against employing minors.
Ms Fisher informed Magistrate Mataitini that in this case the complainant was 16 years old.
When asked by the magistrate if it was true that he was employing minors, Reuben said it was.
Magistrate Mataitini warned Reuben about child labour because it was a serious offence.
He told Reuben he would be prosecuted if a complaint was lodged against him as an employer.