COWARD WHO BATTERED CHILD WITH BELT LEAVING HIM COVERED IN BRUISES IS JAILED
A young child suffered extensive bruising, almost covering his entire body from head to toe, after being assaulted with a belt by an adult male.The six-year-old, found walking without shoes and wearing pyjamas, told police he was 'in the bad books' and had been asked to leave a residence.
He was seen wandering on a street and taken to the police station.
The child’s injuries included bruises on his face, neck, ear, and a large area on his back, which he revealed by lifting his shirt.
According to him, he had been hit with a belt multiple times for acts of misbehavior and was often made to sit in the corner of a room.
James Hendry, aged 30 from Airdrie, Lanarkshire, admitted to assaulting the boy and was sentenced to two years' imprisonment.
A paediatrician described the bruising as among the worst she had ever documented.
A total of 49 pages of graphic photos were shown to Sheriff Joseph Hughes, who was visibly disturbed by the images and had to pause his viewing.
Hendry's partner, aged 28, who appeared with him in court, pleaded guilty to failing to adequately supervise the child.
She explained that the child had slipped out of the house while she was not watching and had been warned earlier about his behaviour.
She called police when she saw the child was missing and spent an hour searching for him.
The court noted her feelings of shame.
The incident was reported by a driver who saw the boy around 5pm on August 5 last year on Gartlea Road.
The driver brought the child to the police station.
Defence lawyer Nicky Matteo acknowledged Hendry’s role in causing the injuries, claiming they resulted from a momentary loss of control lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
Hendry expressed remorse for his actions.
The court also heard that both offenders were first-timers.
Sheriff Hughes condemned the injuries, describing them as 'truly horrific,' and noted his emotional reaction to the photographs.
While the sheriff considered a three-year sentence for Hendry, he decided to reduce it given the plea.
Hendry was taken into custody, where spectators reacted with shouts of 'Beast' and similar insults.
For the woman, the sheriff opted for a non-custodial sentence, placing her under supervision for two years.
She is also required to complete 180 hours of community service and wear an electronic tag for six months, restricting her to her home overnight between 7pm and 7am.
