"Primary caregiver" dad gets probation for inflicting life-threatening brain injuries on infant son (Scottsbluff, Nebraska)

Dad is identified as NATHAN PACE. Notice how he was appointed to be the "primary caregiver" while Mom worked. Presumably because his mental health issues (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) made it difficult for him to hold a job. So we figure that this guy was then capable of handling the stress involved in caring for twin infants?

It's too bad that real mothering in our culture is so devalued and dismissed--as if any unemployed idiot can do it. And I'm not convinced that Dad's mental illnesses had a lot to do with this assault on his infant son. Plenty of "primary caretaker" dads with no apparent mental illness do the same thing, simply because they're "frustrated."

http://www.starherald.com/news/local_news/scottsbluff-man-sentenced-to-probation-in-child-abuse-case/article_88604ed4-fedf-11e1-8acc-001a4bcf887a.html

Scottsbluff man sentenced to probation in child abuse case

Posted: Saturday, September 15, 2012 3:15 am

By MAUNETTE LOEKS Staff Reporter

A Scottsbluff man accused of shaking his baby and causing serious injury has received a sentence of probation.

Scotts Bluff County Judge Randall Lippstreu sentenced Nathan Pace, 34, of Scottsbluff, to five years of intensive probation. In his sentencing, Lippstreu said the probation sentence will allow the state to monitor Pace for a longer period of time than a jail sentence.

In August, Pace had agreed to a plea agreement in his case. Pace had been charged in February after his infant son suffered serious injuries while in his father’s care. Pace agreed to plead no contest to an amended charge of intentionally committing child abuse without causing injury, a Class IIIA felony charge. Prosecutors dropped a charge of child abuse resulting in injury, a Class II felony, that called for more stringent sentencing.

During sentencing, Scotts Bluff County Attorney Doug Warner acknowledged authorities are unsure of what Pace did that led to his son suffering brain injuries and fractured clavicle, but it is believed the boy had been severely shaken. In February 2011, he said doctors believed the injuries were life-threatening. With serious medical intervention, including surgery, the boy has recovered.

There is no reason that justifies using force on a child and no reasonable explanation for shaking a baby, causing serious injury, Warner said.

“No matter what the circumstances are, no matter what the stressors are, there is no legitimate reason to shake a baby,” Warner said, asking for the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison on the charge.

Scotts Bluff Public Defender Bernard Stratker cited Pace’s history of serious mental illness in asking the judge to sentence him to probation.

At age 30, he said, Pace had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Relatives have indicated that Pace has had no history of injuring others, but were more concerned about him injuring himself. Pace has been hospitalized in the past, including for suicide attempts.

At the time of the baby’s hospitalization, Pace was caregiver for his two infant twins while his wife worked. It was a lot to ask of the man, Straetker said.

“This has hurt him as well,” he said. “He has suffered as well.”

Straetker said his client “is not the typical person who comes through here.” He has had no criminal history and assessment tests showed him at low-risk to re-offend.

Pace also addressed the court, tearfully expressing his regret for injuring his son and saying that he wished he could turn back time.

“I know my actions hurt others, not just Brenner,” he said.

He even said he had been grateful for the time he has spent in jail. During his time in jail, he said, he has become closer to God and to himself.

In sentencing Pace to probation, Lippstreu said Pace would be eligible for jail time within two years, because of good time. He said he believed that a probation sentence would allow the state to monitor Pace for a longer time than a jail sentence.

“The court’s role is not just to impose a sentence, or of jail time, but to ensure the safety of the children, he said.

He said he felt the probation sentence would ensure the safety of the children for a longer time. As part of Pace’s probation sentence, Lippstreu imposed a special condition — Pace will not be allowed to spend time with his children unsupervised. He must be monitored at all times, Lippstreu said.