Dad pleads guilty to 2nd-degree child abuse in taser case involving 2-year-old daughter (Warren, Michigan)

We've reported on this case before. JOSEPH R. COX is another one of those daddies who was awarded joint custody despite being a "habitual offender." All joint custody seemed to do in this case was create a lot of unneeded aggravation for the mother and put the baby at unnecessary risk. Can't we just take guys like Cox and cut them loose? Why were Daddy's rights considered more important than anyone else's right to safety, security, and happiness?

http://www.freep.com/article/20100825/NEWS04/8250340/1006/Macomb-County-news-Dad-to-be-sentenced-in-Taser-case

Posted: Aug. 25, 2010
Macomb County news: Dad to be sentenced in Taser case
COMPILED FROM REPORTS BY STEVE NEAVLING, TAMMY STABLES BATTAGLIA AND CHRISTINA HALL

WARREN: Dad to be sentenced in Taser case

The man who held his 2-year-old in front of him to avoid being shocked by a police Taser in Warren is to be sentenced to up to a year in jail next month.

Joseph R. Cox, 27, of Belleville pleaded guilty Tuesday in Macomb County Circuit Court to third-degree home invasion and resisting and obstructing a police officer. He also pleaded no contest to second-degree child abuse, according to court records. As part of the plea, a habitual offender charge is to be dismissed at sentencing, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 30.

A Warren police officer testified in April that he was just a few feet from Cox when the father held his 2-year-old in front of him, the red light of a Taser's laser target glowing on her chest. The officer said Cox used the girl as a human shield, pivoting with her as the officer tried to reposition himself. Cox's ex-wife said she called police after he had broken into her home during a disagreement.

Read more: Macomb County news: Dad to be sentenced in Taser case freep.com Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20100825/NEWS04/8250340/1006/Macomb-County-news-Dad-to-be-sentenced-in-Taser-case#ixzz0xjqvWCNR