Man jailed for ‘slapping’ and ‘biting’ girlfriend’s child

The toddler sustained more than 40 separate bruises.

A man who ‘slapped’ and ‘bit’ his girlfriend’s toddler has been jailed for 18 months.

The 33-year-old, whose identity has not been revealed, claimed the 13-month old had slipped in the bath while in his care.

The toddler sustained more than 40 separate bruises during an attack in 2016, including what was identified to be a bite mark on the cheek.

Bristol Crown Court heard evidence from a number of expert witnesses who determined that the injuries had been ‘inflicted’.

The toddler was found to be so badly injured upon arrival at nursery that they were taken to hospital immediately, it was said.

The dad-of-one was found guilty of causing cruelty to a child aged under 16 and was handed an 18 month prison sentence along with a victim surcharge.

The child’s mum, who was said to be ‘besotted’ by the man during their time together, had left him to care for her little girl, who was just 13 months old at the time.

The child had allegedly vomited during the evening, meaning the man had to change the toddler’s clothes and bedding.

By the time she had been returned to her bed, she had sustained a significant number of injuries which, thankfully, did not leave any lasting impact.

Passing the man’s sentence Mr Paul Dunkels QC pointed to the seriousness of the crime and said: ‘I am sure that the injuries were caused by your rough handling, which probably came as a result of your frustration.

‘I am aware of the way in which that those who have committed these types of offences are treated by other inmates, and it is likely prison will not be an easy ride.’

Mitigating, Simon Cooper told the court that social services were no longer involved in the man’s relationship with his own child, who he visits at least once a week in the company of at least one other family member.

He said: ‘He has worked extremely hard to gain the trust of social services and to develop as a parent.’