A man accused of biting his 16-year-old son on the shoulder will be sentenced on January 13 when the results of a social-enquiry report are brought before the court.

The accused, Percival Johnson, who is facing assault charges, appeared before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

The allegations are that the accused told his 16-year-old son to wash a sheet, but he told him he could not do it as the sink was being used. It is further alleged that the accused used a cable cord to beat his son, and when the complainant held on to the cord, the accused bit him on the shoulder.

Resident Magistrate Georgianna Fraser requested that the probation office prepare a social-enquiry report into the accused man's background and family life.

The matter returns to court on January 13.