ELWYN ROBERTS FROM RHYL SENTENCED FOR DELIBERATE BURNS ON 10-YEAR-OLD SON

A woman from Rhyl has been handed a prison sentence of one year after intentionally inflicting burns on her 10-year-old son using a lit cigarette. The incident resulted in full-thickness burns on two separate areas of the child's wrist, causing significant injury and distress. The woman, aged 30, admitted to assaulting her son, who has a mental age of approximately three years, during the court proceedings.

Her actions came to light when a teacher at the child's school noticed the boy pulling back in pain while she was holding his arm. The teacher's concern prompted further investigation, which revealed the extent of the injuries. The mother initially claimed that the burns were accidental, asserting that her son had brushed against her cigarette. However, medical examinations and evidence presented in court confirmed that the burns were deliberately inflicted, with the mother holding her son's arm during the act.

Judge Roger Dutton addressed the court, emphasizing that this was not a momentary loss of temper but a calculated act of harm. He expressed serious concerns about her suitability to care for children, especially given her apparent inability to manage her child's behavioral issues. The woman, who cannot be named publicly due to legal restrictions, showed remorse for her actions and explained that she was under considerable stress at the time, suffering from anxiety and depression.

The defense team described her as remorseful and stressed, highlighting her unstable relationship environment. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that her actions could not be justified under any circumstances. The court ultimately sentenced her to one year in prison, underscoring the severity and deliberate nature of the injuries inflicted on her young son. The case has raised questions about parental fitness and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children in the Rhyl area.