KEVIN PARSONS ERITH MAN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ASSAULT ON TODDLER IN ERITH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Erith, Kevin Parsons, a 24-year-old resident of Peareswood Road, was convicted and subsequently sentenced to eight months in prison for a severe assault on a three-year-old child under his care. The incident, which took place in April 2011, involved Parsons inflicting significant injuries on the young boy, who was left battered and bruised after what was supposed to be a routine evening of babysitting.

According to reports, Parsons initially attempted to justify the injuries by claiming that the child had accidentally hit his head on a wall. However, evidence presented during a five-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court painted a different picture. The jury found Parsons guilty of causing actual bodily harm on May 1, after considering testimonies and medical evidence. The court heard that the injuries were consistent with a combination of kicking, punching, or possibly throwing, which could have resulted in the child's visible bruising and scratches.

The incident came to light when the child's mother returned home on the evening of April 8, 2011, to find her son with visible bruising around his face, both above and below his eye, along with scratches across his back and face. Concerned by the extent of the injuries, a paramedic friend advised that the child required further medical attention. The boy was then taken to a hospital the following morning for treatment.

During the sentencing hearing held on June 7, Judge Christopher Kinch QC addressed the court and emphasized the gravity of the case. He stated, “This is a serious case which the court has to treat seriously where someone with the care of a vulnerable infant and a duty to protect them causes harm. That infant is only three-years-old and in no position to restrain or fend for themselves.”

Judge Kinch also referenced the evidence from an experienced paediatrician, who testified that the injuries could have resulted from a combination of physical assault methods, including kicking, punching, or even throwing the child. The judge acknowledged the character references submitted on Parsons’ behalf, which highlighted his positive qualities and the support from family, friends, and employers. Nonetheless, he remarked, “Years on you still can’t bring yourself to accept the reality of what you did.”

While Parsons has reportedly recovered physically from the injuries, there are ongoing investigations into an eye problem he is experiencing. The judge also noted that others close to Parsons have suffered emotional and psychological distress as a consequence of the incident, underscoring the profound impact of his actions on the young victim and those around him.