Baby had been staying with dad for past month; dad beats child, breaking his leg (St. Andrew, Jamaica)

The 9-month-old baby had been staying with Dad STENNETH LAMPART for the past month--whether this was at the mother's discretion or some other arrangement isn't specified. During that time, Dad apparently beat the baby, causing multiple fractures to his leg. Dad said in his defense that the child "wouldn't listen to him." I wasn't aware of the fact that 9-month-old infants listened to anybody. Obviously, there are a lot of dads out there who have NO CLUE about how to take care of babies and young children.

http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/21055/26/

Father breaks baby's leg

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

A 42-year old man accused of beating his nine month old baby, breaking the child's leg, was again remanded in the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Wednesday.

Stenneth Lampart, a District Constable of Rockfort in St. Andrew pleaded not guilty to charges of child abuse and wounding.

Mr. Lampart was charged last week by the Rockfort Police following investigations into the circumstances under which his nine month old son suffered multiple fractures to his right leg.

Investigators reported that they went to Mr. Lampart's home after his two adult children reported that he had been abusing the toddler.

The cops say when they took the child to hospital doctors reported that his right leg was broken in two places.They also observed bruises on the leg which is consistent with a beating.The child is now a patient in hospital.

The police say when they questioned Mr. Lampart about his son's injuries, he told them that the baby, who was staying with him for a month, would not listen to him.

However, he denied abusing and wounding his on.

He told the court Wednesday that his 20-year old son who recently returned from the United States after being involved in gang activity had falsely accused him.

Mr. Lampart said he had fathered other children and had never abused any of them.

However, the police say they have a statement from his 17-year old daughter who also witnessed the abuse of the toddler.

Mr. Lampart is to return to court next Monday.