Dad "allegedly" beat 4-year-old daughter for spilling drink on his "weed" (Ripley, Tennessee)

Dad STEVEN KIRKPATRICK is "under investigation" for beating his 4-year-old daughter after she spilled a drink on his "weed" (marijuana). He was never married to the girl's mother, his ex-girlfriend, who has said that the "problem" (by which I assume she means the abusive behavior) has "lingered for years," but just gets "swept under the rug." In fact, Mom had an order of protection until last year, when it expired. But never fear, Daddy still gets supervised visitation for now--the best Mom says she can hope for. Sadly, this is true. The system massively favors the "rights" of fathers over the safety and well being of mothers and children, so at this point, moms are settling for any crumbs they can get.

http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-ripley-abuse-story,0,6626149.story

Officer Under Investigation For "Weed Spanking"
Reserve Ripley, TN officer in court after abuse allegations
Stephanie Scurlock
6:32 PM CDT, May 13, 2010

FAST FACTS:

Part time Ripley, TN police officer in court after allegations of beating child over drugs

4-year-old says she spilled drink on her father's "weed"

Judge upholds restraining order against officer until full hearing

(Ripley, TN 05/13/2010) Inside the Ripley County Courthouse, a judge decides a temporary restraining order will remain in place against part time Ripley Tennessee police officer Steven Kirkpatrick.

The mother of his 4 year old daughter accuses the 21-year-old officer of beating the child over drugs.

A court document says DCS got involved after a report from the mother.

The document says the child had bruises on her thigh and buttocks. She reportedly told her mother, her father spanked her with a belt for spilling a drink on his "weed."

Kirkpatrick drove away and dodged our questions outside the courthouse.

We also tried to talk to his bosses at Ripley City Hall.

Both the mayor and police chief were not available to discuss how the allegations would affect his employment.

The child's mother, Tiffany Gitchell, says the problem between her and the child's father has lingered for years.

"This has been going on for years and things swept under the rug and it's just time that everything be brought to light," Gitchell said.

A full court hearing is scheduled for next month. Until then, all visits between the officer and his daughter must be supervised by the Carl Perkins Center for Children.

"I'm happy about that, right now. That's the best thing we could have, right now," said Gitchell.

DCS says the officer has told conflicting stories about how the child got the bruises.

There are no criminal charges against the officer. The district attorney says the TBI has a pending investigation.

Gitchell had an order of protection against her ex-boyfriend but it expired last year.