By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Lethbridge man sentenced after admitting to abusing a toddler

Mar 23, 2018 | 5:16 PM

LETHBRIDGE – “As cowardly as it comes.”

That’s how Crown prosecutor Clayton Giles described the actions of a 32-year-old Lethbridge man, who admitted to abusing a toddler last fall.

The man – who cannot be named to protect the identity of his two-year-old stepson –  pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing bodily harm Friday afternoon, Mar. 23, and was handed a 33-month custodial sentence.

Giles informed the court that on Sept. 21, 2017, a neighbour called the Lethbridge Police Service and informed them that the child may have been in danger. With assistance from Child and Family Services, police conducted a welfare check and found the young boy suffering from a number of injuries.

A medical examination found that the child had sustained significant bruising and lacerations to his mouth and face, lacerations to his buttocks, and significant bruising to his legs, arms, and feet. It was also determined that the injuries had been sustained over roughly a two-week period.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

9h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Week-in-review: Street sweeping, policing in Coaldale and #SlowYourRoll

Apr 13, 2024

“One of the most difficult things when looking at these photos, is how chipper the young lad appears to be,” Giles said, after delivering photos of the boy’s injuries to the court. “He was utterly powerless.”

As for a reason behind the assaults, Giles stated that it appeared to be an attempt at “misguided correction” or discipline by the man.

During submissions from defence lawyer Vincent Guinan, he said that his client had never attempted to seek bail after his arrest and was willing to take responsibility for what he had done.

“He wants it to be known that all of the injuries… are as a result of his actions,” said Guinan, in a likely reference to the child’s 26-year-old mother, who still faces charges of assault and failing to provide the necessaries of life (more on her case below).

“As a young child, he himself was smacked around and also received corporal punishment,” Guinan added.

The 33-month sentence was the result of a joint submission from the Crown and defence, which was accepted by Judge Paul Pharo. Because of time already spent in pre-trial custody, the man has just under two-years left to serve in jail.

“This child clearly suffered pain and emotional trauma,” said Pharo. “The victim was a defenceless child.”

A charge of failing to provide the necessaries of life was also withdrawn against the man. During Giles’ submissions to the court, he explained that the charge was in relation to the fact that the child suffered the injuries over a two-week period, without receiving medical care.

“Other parties may be held accountable for that second part,” he stated.

Earlier in the day, the child’s mother – also covered under a publication ban to protect the child – appeared in court. Her case was adjourned to May 4 at the request of the Crown and defence, with both noting that the resolution in the step-father’s case would play an important part in how they proceeded with hers.

According to the defence, the child is currently in the custody of a family member.