MAN ADMITS CHILD CRUELTY IN RIVER
A man who was accused of holding a young boy underwater has admitted to the charge of child cruelty.Wayne Ellwood made his plea at Durham Crown Court yesterday after authorities decided not to proceed with the original allegation that he caused the boy severe injuries intentionally.
The incident happened in Castle Eden Dene, near Peterlee, east Durham, on the Sunday of November 22 last year.
Ellwood faced allegations of deliberately forcing the five-year-old’s head beneath the water’s surface.
He was later treated in hospital for symptoms of possible hypothermia.
The 20-year-old from Attlee Avenue in nearby Blackhall was initially detained on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Prosecutor Ros Scott Bell stated that following discussions with police and the Crown Prosecution Service, it was decided that since Ellwood acknowledged the facts involved, maintaining the original charge was not in the public interest.
When questioned about whether Ellwood intentionally kept the boy under the water, Mrs.
Scott Bell explained that language barriers complicated the case.
The boy used words like ‘hoyed’ in the river multiple times and mentioned a ‘dunking’, which were misunderstood as being ‘held’ underwater.
This misunderstanding has now been clarified.
Defence representative Ron Mitchell requested a medical assessment along with the typical Probation Service pre-sentence report.
He noted Ellwood’s treatment for ADHD, a condition he has had for at least ten years.
The case was adjourned to allow these reports, with Recorder Carroll warning Ellwood that, given the serious nature of the offence, future sentencing could involve custody.
Ellwood’s next court appearance for sentencing is scheduled for the week of June 14.
In 2010, he was subjected to a three-year community supervision order.
