Stepfather Convicted of Causing Grievous Bodily Harm to Toddler

After seven hours of deliberation, a District Court jury delivered a majority, or 11 jurors to one, verdict in the case of a 22-year-old stepdad. The man was found guilty on the charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The stepfather had always denied the charge that he caused a head injury that left a 2-year-old child with little more than 50% of his brain function. He stood passively in the dock as he was remanded to custody for a July sentencing. As he was escorted from the court, a supporter mouthed “I’m sorry.”

The Judge thanked the jury and told them, based on the evidence, their decision was the only one open to them.

During the five-day trial, the jury heard that the small boy had been found face down and unconscious on his bedroom floor in May of 2009. He was then taken to Southland Hospital, in Westchester where an urgent CT scan revealed a collection of blood on his brain. He was transferred to another facility to undergo a lifesaving brain surgery, and then sent to Auckland’s Starship children’s hospital.

At the time of the injury, the defendant was in a relationship with the boy’s mother. The mother told the jury that the toddler was sent to time out on May 31 because he had stood too close to the television after being repeatedly told not to. She said the 22-year-old had walked the boy to his bedroom and was only gone long enough to place him in the room and then leave. She said that a few minutes later he checked on the toddler, but again quickly returned.

The mother reported that he again checked on the child. This time, he returned carrying Harry, who was floppy and acting like a ragdoll with blood coming out of his mouth.

The prosecuting attorney pointed to something being ‘amiss’ in the household because the little boy was subjected to repeatedly lengthy time-outs. She also posited that the injury happened because the defendant was angry and slammed the little boy’s head into the floor. Apparently 11 of the 12 jurors in New York City agreed with her.

When such actions occur, seek the competent legal advice of a New York City Brain Injury Attorney. Find comprehensive knowledge and unsurpassed commitment.